Political and social commentator Eusebius McKaiser suddenly passes away

Source: © Twitter Twitter Eusebius McKaiser has suddenly passed away

The analyst, broadcaster and author, and popular radio talk show host was known for speaking out on social and political issues. McKaiser, who was gay, was also outspoken on racism and sexuality issues.

The Mail & Guardian also says he was a South African national debate champion and the 2011 World Masters Debate Champion. His analytical articles and columns were widely published in South African newspapers, including the Mail & Guardian and The New York Times. McKaiser studied law and philosophy and taught philosophy in South Africa and England.

Committed to SA

“It all happened so quickly. His partner Nduduzo Nyanda is at the mortuary with his family. I am so distraught. I can't believe this,” says McKaiser’s manager Jackie Strydom.

Strydom told TimesLive he had gone about his day without any hint of illness.

McKaiser was committed to fixing South Africa until the end, with his last thoughts on the state of the country shared just hours before his death.

TimesLive reports that he shared his views on the political landscape of the country and the ANC's role in some of the crises we face.

“If the opposition parties do not wake up now, I am afraid we will be saddled with the ANC and its sense of incumbency, with the consequences for ourselves materially for a long time to come,” the article quotes McKaiser as saying.

Tributes

Tributes have flooded in for McKaiser.

Rhodes University in the HeraldLive described him as a political activist who focused on “social and political topics that impact on our lives, and make people sit up and take notice”.

Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane says McKaiser’s death was “a tragic and unexpected blow to South Africa. My deepest condolences to the McKaiser family and to all those who knew and worked with him. Eusebius was a passionate South African intellectual who pushed us all to think, to debate and to unlearn.”

On Twitter, author and journalist, Gus Silber tweets, “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.”

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of renowned journalist and former 702 presenter Eusebius McKaiser. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPEusebiusMcKaiser ��️ pic.twitter.com/fyp10Ar2MK

— CapeTalk on 567AM (@CapeTalk) May 30, 2023

I’m devastated to hear of the sudden death of Eusebius McKaiser. He was always such a professional and had the honour of working with him over many years.

Eusebius will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/hv8XeyQWAN
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 30, 2023

POWER 98.7 is saddened by the passing of our former colleague, Mr Eusebius McKaiser.

With his robust style of engagement, he kept his listeners and guests captivated.

We express our condolences to his loved ones.

May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Uk6lZcBd4W
— POWER 98.7 (@Powerfm987) May 30, 2023

Oh my ��. Eusebius Mckaiser was one of the brightest minds I have had the privilege of interviewing & sharing a platform with.
His passing is an incalculable loss to South Africa at a time when we so desperately need our brightest at one table. Eusebius a Champion South African https://t.co/khWM9iVc1M

— Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) May 30, 2023