South Africa, Makhanda and the Community Engagement division mourns the loss of Eusebius McKaiser, a prominent public figure, intellectual, and advocate for community engagement. Eusebius dedicated his life to challenging conventional thinking and promoting inclusive dialogue within society. He was a man of courage because to swim against the tide or walk in the opposite direction to the crowd requires COURAGE.
His untimely death has left a void in the realm of intellectual discourse and community development.
Eusebius McKaiser was best known for his thought-provoking dialogues and writings, which aimed to redefine the notion of freedom and its significance in various aspects of our lives. We were honoured to have him present the opening speech at the 2021 Community Engagement Symposium where he exemplified his commitment to fostering meaningful connections and challenging established norms.
During his speech, Eusebius posed essential questions, urging the audience to reflect upon the true meaning of community. He emphasized the need to identify the community we should have in mind and consider the practical implications of community engagement, particularly in the realms of teaching and administration.
One of the most controversial points Eusebius made was challenging the notion of academic freedom. He argued that educators should not have unbridled freedom in determining what they teach and how they approach pedagogy. Eusebius believed that community engagement required a thoughtful and conscientious approach to content selection and teaching methodologies.
Eusebius's ideas were met with a range of responses, from agreement to skepticism. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his convictions and encouraged open debate and discourse among his colleagues and the wider public. He firmly believed that it was through wrestling with counterintuitive ideas that progress and growth could be achieved.
Throughout his career, Eusebius McKaiser fearlessly confronted societal issues, using his platform to advocate for social justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. His intellectual contributions spanned a wide range of topics, including politics, ethics, philosophy, and cultural criticism.
Eusebius was known for his eloquence and razor-sharp intellect. He engaged in numerous public debates, wrote influential opinion pieces, and hosted thought-provoking radio shows and podcasts. His ability to articulate complex ideas and engage in nuanced discussions earned him a loyal following of listeners, readers, and admirers.
Beyond his public persona, Eusebius was remembered as a compassionate and empathetic individual, always striving to understand diverse perspectives and promote inclusivity. He consistently demonstrated a commitment to bridging gaps and fostering unity within a divided society.
Eusebius McKaiser's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His unwavering dedication to community engagement and his unwavering pursuit of truth and justice have left an indelible mark on South Africa's intellectual landscape. His passing is a profound loss, and he will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched with his wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to building a better society.
Eusebius McKaiser is survived by his family, friends, and the countless individuals who were inspired by his ideas. May his soul rest in peace, knowing that his work has made a lasting impact on the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of communities.
We have shared his opening address as a reminder to be constantly vigilant about committing to transforming our society in a meaningful way, to advocate for academic freedom and inspire love and courage in our communities.
Please find the Keynote Address and Transcript of his Keynote Address here: Keynote Address 1 2021