As Sefako Makgtho Health Sciences University, we pride ourselves as we pay tribute to Dennis Goldberg, anti-apartheid activist and one of the last remaining Rivonia Trialists, who has sadly passed away at the age of 87.
In 2000, the Medical University of Southern Africa(Medunsa), the precursor to the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) awarded Goldberg an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the liberation and reconstruction of South Africa, especially for his work in the field of education. Dennis Goldberg donated the Science bus to the University that he bought from the UK. The science bus that was donated by Goldberg to Medunsa (now owned by SMU) was used to transport teachers from the university to teach basic science in the rural areas, thus building the foundation for scholarship in community engagement at SMU. He was also appointed as a member of the Board of Medunsa Trust and a trustee of the University of Transkei Foundation.
He continued to be an activist and joined Umkhonto we Sizwe’s (MK) technical office in the early 1960s. Despite being advised to leave the country, Goldberg stayed and became the weapon-maker for Operation Mayibuye. We acknowledge his unwavering dedication to the fight for freedom in South Africa.
His dedicated life to the struggle for freedom will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Regards
Office of the Vice Chancellor
