by Thinus Ferreira
The well-known South African provocateur, broadcaster, writer and political analyst Eusebius McKaiser suddenly died on Tuesday in Johannesburg after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure. He was 45.
According to his manager Jackie Strydom, the prolific writer, commentator and debater apparently suffered a suspected epileptic seizure on Tuesday in his Sandton home.
In a statement, his family said that "It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved family member, friend and colleague, Eusebius McKaiser, passed away unexpectedly earlier this afternoon".
"He was a loving son, brother, uncle, partner and special friend. He was also well loved and respected locally and worldwide for his political commentary and analysis on race and identity."
In a statement, the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) chairperson Sbu Ngalwa says Eusebius McKaiser "will be missed for his sharp intellect and
contribution to the thought leadership discourse in South Africa and beyond".
"He held very strong
views that he could actually back up. You just had to admire his mind whether
you agreed with him or not."
"He was not shy to challenge anyone, including journalists –
pointing out double standards and raising ethical issues. He really made one to
sit up and take notice or to check their blindspots. He made a huge
contribution to the South African media landscape We are poorer without him."
Besides being a prolific writer for South African news publications as well as international news publications, he also hosted TV shows like Interface on SABC3 and Meet the Media on eNCA (DStv 403).
In 2015 Eusebius McKaiser accused the South African public broadcaster of once again blacklisting commentators and revealed how SABC News once again stifled freedom of speech and how he was banned from appearing on the SABC's airwaves for a critical newspaper column he had written.
Besides having been a TV host, Eusebius McKaiser also had several different talk shows on Primedia's 702 talk radio station as well as Power FM, and appeared frequently as a media commentator on television and radio, besides launching his own podcast show.
Eusebius McKaiser was born in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape where he attended St Mary's Primary School and Graeme College, after which he did a BA degree an Honours degree and a Masters degree in philosophy at Rhodes University. He also studied at the University of Oxford for a doctor's degree he never completed.
Rhodes University described Eusebius McKaiser as "a political activist focused on social and political topics that impact on our lives and make people sit up and take notice".
The university described him as "community-driven and provides a living example of victory over racism and homophobia. He is a strong advocate of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Intersex community and educates the public about gay rights and the immorality of crimes committed against homosexuals".
Eusebius McKaiser was a social analyst at the Wits Centre for Ethics and at the University of Johannesburg Centre for the Study of Democracy.
Eusebius McKaiser authored the books A Bantu in my Bathroom: Debating Race, Sexuality and Other Uncomfortable South African Topics (2012), Could I Vote DA?: A Vote's Dilemma (2014), and Run, Racist Run: Journeys into the Heart of Racism (2016).
Eusebius McKaiser leaves behind his partner Nduduzo Nyanda.
... More to come ...
