Previous Rhodes vice-chancellor Dr Derek Scott Henderson’s funeral service was held at the Rhodes University Chapel on Tuesday 18 August.
Previous Rhodes vice-chancellor Dr Derek Scott Henderson’s funeral service was held at the Rhodes University Chapel on Tuesday 18 August.
"Rhodes University, under Dr Henderson, became the first South African university to take steps towards becoming truly open," said Pat Terry, friend and colleague.
Born in Durban in 1929, Henderson attended St John’s College in Johannesburg before completing degrees at Rhodes and Oxford. He went on to work at Anglo-American Corporation, serving as Harry Oppenheimer’s personal secretary.
Henderson left the corporate world to teach at Wits University and in 1960 he became the holder of one of only 12 doctorates in the field of computer science.
"In 1975 he became the third vice-chancellor of Rhodes University, at a time when it was an autocracy," said Terry, "When he left he had democratized the university."
The current vice-chancellor, Saleem Badat, led the academic procession into the intimate chapel which was filled with friends and family of the deceased. Bishop Michael Coleman led the service and Chris Terry played the bagpipes.
"Henderson’s leadership provided the environment that enabled us to boldly declare in 1991 that black students could no longer be said to be at Rhodes under protest," said Vuyo Kahla, former vice-president of Rhodes SRC and current group executive of Transnet, in his tribute.
Kahla explained how, under the guidance and leadership of Henderson, the university and student body were politically transformed. Black students who were denied places at traditionally white universities registered at Rhodes with growing momentum under Henderson’s helm.
Henderson’s daughter, Margie Keeton, spoke highly of her father.
"Many have said that dad was the most positive person they ever knew," she said.
"He never gave up on a challenge. Throughout his life he was a committed South African, always believing that good people could make a difference and were called on to do so."
