The Methodist Church of Southern Africa Tel: +27 11 615 1616 Methodist Connexional Office Fax: +27 11 615 1499 33 Ernest Oppenheimer Ave Bruma Office Park, Bruma Private Bag X11 Garden View 2047

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 December 2018

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa mourns the death of another prominent son of Methodism, Rev Dr. Alex Boraine who died on Wednesday in .

“Another valiant son of Methodism has died today- and like Tata Madiba, coincidentally, on 5 December. We salute him for his lifelong contribution to Church and society. A dedicated champion for social justice, non-racialism and democracy, Dr Boraine helped to establish iconic institutions like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” said Bishop Zipho Siwa, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.

Professor John de Gruchy, a long-time friend of Boraine had this to say: We were friends for more than 50 years and he was for me in many ways a mentor and role model in my formative years. I would like to remember him as a gentle giant- a very big man in many ways physically and figuratively. He was a strong and courageous leader but always someone who cared about and encouraged others. Alex was a very hopeful person, full of creative ideas and always looking for innovative ways to tackle future challenges. He was deeply honest even when he had struggles of faith and meaning. I am one of many whom he influenced and I will sorely miss him.”

Reverend Professor Peter Storey who knew and worked with Boraine in the 1950s at and beyond reflected: “Alex Boraine was head and shoulders above the rest of us not just physically but intellectually. His grasp of the direction of the Church was way ahead that of his contemporaries.”

“As the president of the MCSA, he robustly confronted the state and criticised the labour practices of big corporate companies in . He was without question and quintessentially one of the archetypes of Left wing critics of the National Party,” Storey said.

“Alex was a giant among us, it may be that we were too small to hold him but in the end he is one of the most important gifts that South African Methodism gave to our land and the world.”

Ordained in 1956, Boraine served as the President of the MCSA from 1970-1972 before moving into politics. An ardent anti-apartheid and human rights activist, he also created two non-governmental organisations concerned with ending apartheid and its legacy. He is remembered most for the role he played as one of the architects of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on which he also served as the deputy Chairperson under Archbishop .

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

ENDS.

A Christ-healed Africa for the Healing of Nations Presiding Bishop: Rev Ziphozihle D. Siwa Lay General Treasurer: Mrs Thini Ngonyama General Secretary: Rev Charmaine Morgan e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]