Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family of human rights lawyer and former Chief Legal Advisor to President Nelson Mandela, Nicholas 'Fink' Haysom. Haysom was a distinguished constitutional lawyer and was serving as the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Special Representative for South Sudan at the time of his passing at the age of 73.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa stated, "Today, we mourn a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration, whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent, and the world a better place." The President remembered Haysom for his contributions to the development of the South African Constitution, highlighting his legal expertise, mentorship, and integrity.
Haysom's career included roles as a mediator and advisor in the Sudan Peace Process, as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan and Somalia, and as head of the UN mission in Iraq. President Ramaphosa emphasized Haysom's dedication to human rights, especially during Human Rights Month, and noted his respected role in various global regions.
Reflecting on Haysom's legacy, President Ramaphosa mentioned his accomplishments in law, scholarship, and creativity. Haysom was recognized as South African Playwright of the Year in 1987, illustrating the breadth of his talents. The President concluded by underscoring the importance of honoring Haysom's contributions by upholding fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he fervently advocated.