In Memoriam: Ms Rhoda Khadalie

The Dullah Omar Institute learnt with sadness about the passing of Ms Rhoda Khadalie. Ms Khadalie served on the Advisory Board of the Community Law Centre (now: Dullah Omar Institute) as a public representative from the mid-nineties until March 2005.

In that capacity she never stopped challenging the organisation to be courageous, speak truth to power, and insist on quality research and engaged teaching. As our Rector, Prof Tyrone Pretorius stated: “We have lost an influential giant who made a telling contribution – not only to UWC but to the broader liberation of women in our society and through her tireless pursuit of human rights and dignity.”

She also served as a member of the Community Law Centre's Management Committee for many years, providing direct advice and oversight to the management of the Centre. Ms Khadalie was an outspoken gender activist, always reminding us all about the need to place women’s rights at the centre of our work. She also brought her immense knowledge and understanding of the NGO and academic sector to bear in her engagements with the staff and students of what was then called the Community Law Centre. We will never forget her championing the rights and welfare of CLC staff and students in the face of difficult circumstances.

As a Board member, public figure and leader in civil society, Ms Khadalie was influential and fierce. She has left a tremendous legacy. The Dullah Omar Institute wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Prof Jaap de Visser

Director: Dullah Omar Institute, UWC