'He did it for Madiba' - Nelson Mandela Foundation pays tribute to Shaun Johnson
25 February 2020
The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) has extended its condolences to the family and friends of journalist Shaun Johnson, who was also an acting chief executive of the foundation when its namesake, the late former president, started scaling back on official duties.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Shaun Johnson," a statement from the foundation said.
Johnson became acting chief executive while also chief executive of another Mandela legacy foundation, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF). He is said to have carried the load "with ease".
"He stepped in at a very challenging time for the foundation, just as Madiba was providing the organisation with a new mandate while progressively stepping away from public life. Shaun steered the ship expertly. He did it for Madiba."
Professor Njabulo Ndebele, chairperson of the boards of both the NMF and the MRF, said: "Shaun was one of those very rare individuals who combined managerial expertise with creative flair. He was a wonderful storyteller and a deep thinker."
Johnson was acknowledged for his contribution to the growth of the Cape Town CBD, through his chairing of the former Cape Town Partnership, of which the Cape Town Central City Improvement District was an affiliate.
"He was a visionary, who was highly skilled in getting opposing parties to work towards the common good, and we will always remember his eloquence, his sense of fairness and his 'personable manner'," said Kane.
"The CCID Board of Directors, its CEO and staff extend their deepest condolences to his wife, Stefania, and their daughter, as well as to his former colleagues at the Mandela Rhodes Foundation."
Johnson died at the age of 60 on Monday. He leaves behind his wife Stefania and their daughter.
