Former Stellenbosch mayor, Conrad Sidego, passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday afternoon, April 2.
Mr Sidego was a passionate and proud South African, who served his nation with great distinction.
He served as executive mayor of Stellenbosch between 2011 and 2016, and under his leadership and vision, Stellenbosch grew from strength to strength into one of the best-run municipalities in the country.
During his tenure as mayor, Stellenbosch received its first clean audit in years, as well as many other accolades.
Mr Sidego also had the distinct honour of being picked to serve as South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark in 1991.
He not only made his mark in the political arena, but he also stands out as a trailblazer in the field of journalism.
He was Die Burger’s first reporter of colour, and used this position to advocate for more diversity and inclusivity in the newsroom.
Mr Sidego was a dedicated servant of the people. He was not just a politician and journalist; he was also an educator, businessman and philanthropist who was committed to building an inclusive and non-racial South Africa.
He is survived by his wife, Amy, and their two children.
Stellenbosch Universiteit(US) rektor, Professor Wim de Villiers, het in ’* verklaring gesê: “Namens die Universiteit Stellenbosch wil ek my diepe medelye betuig met die heengaan van Conrad Sidego, voormalige uitvoerende burgemeester van Stellenbosch, wat Donderdag 2 April na ’* siekbed oorlede is.
“Sy jarelange persoonlike vriendskap en ondersteuning aan die US om die simbiose van ‘town and gown’ gestalte te gee, sal my altyd bybly as baken van sy termyn as uitvoerende burgemeester van Stellenbosch.
“Ek is deurgaans diep getref deur sy toegewydheid aan gemeenskapsbelang en die verligting van die nood van behoeftiges. Dit was ook die waarmerk van sy bydrae in die rektor-burgemeestersforum en die dryfkrag agter betekenisvolle samewerkingsinisiatiewe tussen die US en die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit.
“Hy sal onthou word vir sy warm persoonlikheid wat selfs in neerdrukkende omstandighede met ‘* tikkie humor die silwerrand aan die donkerwolk kon vind.
“Ons innige meegevoel aan sy bedroefde geliefdes, familie en vriende.”
