UJ sends a message of condolence to the family of the late Sol Kerzner

Management and staff at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the College of Business and Economics (CBE) and the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) offer heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Solomon (“Sol”) Kerzner, and to the staff of the organisation he founded, Kerzner International.

STH board chairman, Jerry Mabena, has lauded Mr Kerzner’s contribution to the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, saying he has left a formidable legacy as an entrepreneur and pioneer. Mr Kerzner and the late former State President Nelson Mandela are held in high regard as patrons of the School of Tourism and Hospitality. Mr Kerzner played an instrumental role in the building of the school, which he launched in 2005, alongside former deputy-president and current executive director of UN Women Phumzile MlamboNgcuka and the late Professor Connie Mogale-Mokadi. Today, the school’s academic offering is complemented by its four-star graded commercial facilities, realising Mr Kerzner’s vision.

STH director, Dr Diane Abrahams, who enjoyed a great relationship with the industry legend said staff and students are saddened by the news of Mr Kerzner’s passing: “We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr Kerzner and his family for their unrelenting support of the school over the many years. Their support did not end once the STH building was complete. “Through the Butch Kerzner Bursary Fund, their support of various STH fundraising initiatives and participation on the STH Board, the family has remained an active partner and friend of the school”. Dr Abrahams added: “I will remember Mr Kerzner with great respect and fondness. He was very supportive to myself and to the school in my current tenure as director. He made his mark and his legacy will live on as we mourn his loss with his family, our staff, students and many industry partners.” Professor Daneel van Lill, executive dean of the College of Business and Economics, STH Board Member, and a former director of the school during the University’s transition period added his message of tribute to Mr Kerzner, saying: “Sol Kerzner and his family have gone the extra mile in supporting the School of Tourism and Hospitality; enabling and empowering numerous young, talented South Africans. His legacy, framed by many prestigious awards, will live on through the UJ community in transferring business skills from those who have them to those who have not. We can’t comprehend the enormous loss the Kerzner family must experience. Thank you, Sol, rest in peace.”