Nicholas (Fink) Haysom. (Photo: Facebook)
Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, special adviser to the secretary-general of Southern Africa, a human rights lawyer and former chief legal adviser to ex-president Nelson Mandela, has died at the age of 73.
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep sadness at the death of Haysom, who represented the United Nations in various capacities. He offered his condolences to Haysom’s friends and family, his former colleagues in the presidential office, his associates and wider government, as well as associates across the continent and colleagues in the UN.
Haysom was Mandela’s chief and constitutional advisor between 1994 and 1999 and was the chairman of a committee that negotiated constitutional principles in the Burundi peace process.
Haysom was also a mediator and advisor in the Sudan peace process.
Ramaphosa describes him as a distinguished diplomat and pioneer of democratic government “whose commitment to justice and peace has made our country, the continent and the world a better place”.
“I remember him for the application of his legal skill, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of South Africa’s constitution; qualities that emphasized his role in peacemaking on our continent and in other regions of the world.”
Ramaphosa says that in the commemoration of Human Rights Month, tribute is being paid to Haysom for his commitment to human rights and the dignity of all people in all parts of the world, where his leadership was deeply respected and sought after.
“We think back to the rich scope of his life in law, scholarship and creativity, which established him as a writer and in 1987 as South African Playwright of the Year.”
Ramaphosa says the country must honor his contribution to the nation and the international community by upholding constitutional rights and honoring the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently.