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Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by National Assembly Speaker Ms Thandi Modise and the National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mr Amos Masondo, are saddened to learn of the passing of Anti-Apartheid activist and Rivonia Trialist Mr Denis Theodore Goldberg (87).

Mr Goldberg comes from a generation of South African leaders with rare leadership qualities, humility, remarkable integrity and selflessness. He was one of the activists, amongst them Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Andrew Mlangeni and Govan Mbeki, who were charged with treason in the infamous Rivonia Trial of 1963. He served 22 years (of a life sentence) in prison after he was found guilty of conspiracy and sabotage. Andrew Mlangeni is now the only remaining Rivonia Trialist.

For “his commitment to the struggle against apartheid and service to the people of South Africa”, Mr Goldberg was bestowed with the Order of Luthuli in Silver. He has been awarded several honorary doctorates from various universities locally and internationally. This includes the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, which last year awarded him Doctorate of Engineering for his "selfless contribution to the struggle for freedom and his unwavering commitment to the development of post-apartheid South Africa", at a ceremony presided over by Chancellor of the University Ms Thandi Modise.

“He was a living treasure; a fountain of profound wisdom, a combatant and outstanding patriot to the end. South Africa wakes up poorer today without this giant leader of our people. Despite his advanced age and poor health, he remained politically conscious, with a sharp mind and actively preoccupied with the cause for the betterment of the people of South Africa. Umthi omkhulu uwile!” said the Presiding Officers.
 
In Mr Goldberg’s passing, the nation has lost a struggle hero, a leader with exemplary moral principles and unshakable commitment to the cause of liberation of the people of South Africa and the world. His name and deeds are forever inscribed in the hearts and minds of the people.
 
The Presiding Officers of Parliament send their deepest sympathies and condolences to the Goldberg family, his friends, comrades and all whose causes he championed.
 

Issued by the Parliament of South Africa