It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing away of Prof de la Harpe, the executive dean of the Faculty of Law, this morning, 18 February 2021, after being admitted to hospital in early January this year. He passed away as a result of Covid-19 related complications.

Prof Stephen was a friendly, warm and kind individual with deep integrity. A man that with such a gentle approach, made such a huge impact on those around him, and who took the NWU, and specifically the Faculty of Law forward, during often turbulent times.

He served the North-West University for 21 years and was appointed as Executive Dean as from 1 April 2018.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this majestic leader within the university community. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

We honour and salute him.

“When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men“, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Prof Linda du Plessis

Acting Vice-Chancellor