The Durban University of Technology (DUT) mourns the passing of the legendary musician, dancer, author, academic and great unifier, Dr Johnny Clegg. Dr Clegg sadly passed on aged 66 on Tuesday, 16 July 2019.

DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu said, “The DUT community extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans of Dr Johnny Clegg. We are very sad that a great legend has passed on.”

Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jenny and his son’s Jesse and Jaron at this challenging time.”

In September 2018, together with his friend and Juluka bandmate Dr Sipho Mchunu, Dr Johnny Clegg was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at DUT for his significant contribution to the world of music. He epitomized the “Spirit of the Great Heart.”

Khan added, “Johnny Clegg spoke out about the injustices of apartheid, he created awareness about the challenges affecting migrant workers and he highlighted the struggles faced by the majority of South Africans on a daily basis. When many others had failed ,Dr Johnny Clegg, together with Dr Sipho Mchunu in Juluka and then later with Savuka, promoted and practiced social cohesion and unity in South Africa.”

Dr Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and he courageously fought the disease for the last four years. He was very fond of Durban and he welcomed in the new millennium on stage at the Port of Durban for the official millennium celebrations on 31 December 1999.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

Pictured: Dr Johnny Clegg

Alan Khan