Mr Derek Jacobs, a reputable alumnus of Rhodes University, a Rhodes Scholar and a recipient of an Old Rhodian Award has tragically died. It is with great sadness that we advise the University community of his passing.
Mr Jacobs graduated from Rhodes in 1965 with a BA Economics/Economics History cum laude. On the basis of his academic achievements he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship which enabled him to further his studies at Oxford University where, in 1969, he was awarded a MA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
The completion of his studies marked his entry into the business world where his talents and skills ensured that he moved swiftly up the corporate ladder and in 1974, at the relatively young age of 34, he became Managing Director of the publicly listed packaging giant Metal Box SA.
Mr Jacobs was part of the team which conceived and then implemented the merger of Metal Box with Nampak, resulting in the largest packaging company in the southern hemisphere with Mr Jacobs at the helm as Managing Director.
After a highly successful stint with Nampak, he left to pursue a career overseas. He became involved in corporate finance and management consulting where his efforts were instrumental in guiding many struggling companies to profitability. As is the norm in the business world, there are always challenges and hurdles to overcome and he had his fair share. However, what was remarkable about him was that any setbacks he experienced were addressed by a combination of fierce determination and self-belief which saw him back on his feet stronger and more determined than ever.
Despite his significant personal and business achievements, it was his involvement with the Rhodes University UK Trust for which he is recognised. He served the University as Chair of the Rhodes University UK Trust in a voluntary capacity and provided the University with immense support, committing vast amounts of his own time and money in helping Rhodes build relationships with donors in the UK and Europe.
Mr Jacobs was personally responsible for raising millions of rands in support of University projects and programmes. His efforts encouraged our UK alumni to contribute over R2m to our new Library.
During his chairmanship he always made time to actively advance the interests of the University which frequently entailed committing vast amounts of time at his personal expense. These efforts were instrumental in rekindling the relationship with mining magnate and OR, Mick Davis of Xstrata, which resulted in the University receiving a R3.5 million donation from Xstrata for a new geology chair. In addition to his involvement in the University’s fundraising efforts, he was a generous donor in his own right and made several significant personal contributions to Rhodes.
A more loyal, dedicated and hard-working supporter of the University would be hard to identify, his passing will be felt by many. It is however, his family who will most feel the pain of his loss and on behalf of the University community we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, children and grandchildren at this distressing time.