Well-known broadcaster, author and political analyst Eusebius McKaiser died on Tuesday afternoon, 30 May.
His manager, Jackie Strydom confirmed McKaiser’s death, saying he was in Johannesburg at the time.
“It all happened so quickly. His partner, Nduduzo Nyanda, is at the mortuary with his family,” she said.
Strydom told TimesLive that he was going about his day without any hint of illness.
The publication reported that McKaiser died after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure, according to Strydom.
McKaiser was born in Grahamstown, home to Rhodes University, where he completed a BA in law and philosophy. He also completed his honours and master’s degrees in philosophy, both with distinction, before being selected for a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University.
Beyond being a political and social analyst at the Wits Centre for Ethics, McKaiser was also a lecturer, champion debater, popular radio talk show presenter and writer.
His biography on the Rhodes University website said, ‘as a political activist what matters to him is getting to grips with the social and political topics that impact on our lives, and making people sit up and take notice of this’.
His first book, a collection of essays entitled A Bantu In My Bathroom became a best-seller with over 10 000 copies sold in under a year.
His analytic articles and columns have been widely published in South African newspapers and the New York Times.
Tributes to the renowned local journalist have poured in:
Gosh, how do we even eulogise a man who leaves such an indelible mark on an industry undoubtedly poorer without his contribution.
Eusebius McKaiser did radio & writing with incredible depth, enviable vulnerability & unmatched preparation. Audiences will talk about him for years.
— Ayanda Nyathi (@N_Ayanda) May 30, 2023
Rest in Power Eusebius Mckaiser 🖤
Thank you for being the voice of the people & always supporting the arts.
Poppy’s Cresta
#RIPEusebius pic.twitter.com/0VaVYiXLDG— Robin Pieters (@iamRobinP) May 30, 2023
I never once read, saw, or heard anything by Eusebius McKaiser that didn’t make me think, rethink, laugh out loud, or shout at my radio. He was a giant of South African rhetoric, a lover of language, a stirrer of emotions. His voice, booming & mellifluous, was a force of nature.
— Gus Silber (@gussilber) May 30, 2023
As The Saying Goes, The Good Die Young.
RIP Eusebius Mckaiser💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/m7Oj3srBYW
— Matuma Letsoalo (@MatumaLets) May 30, 2023
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Feature Image: Twitter / @matumalets
