We lost a colleague, a mentor, a teacher, a friend. We are hurting and mourning his loss as he touched us all in very profound ways. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, family and friends and to all IJR staff.

Webster joined the IJR in October 2011 and has been a valuable member and pillar of the Institute since then. It is through him that Galtung and Lederach’s teaching came to life and were communicated to all in a readily comprehensible way. He was an excellent peacebuilder and he has trained many others across the continent.

I met Webster soon after he joined IJR and kept in touch with him through the years. When I joined the IJR in October 2021, he was one of the welcoming friendly faces I first met. From our first meeting Webster’s kindness and consideration for others was apparent. He was observant and would always have some words of wisdom – often couched in the form of African proverbs.

It was on our trips to Zimbabwe and Botswana that I discovered how much he knew about and loved red wine and we would share a glass or two.

Thank you Nyasha for being a good friend to Webster and for the beautiful tribute.

We will be in touch re a memorial service on Friday and a healing session for staff.

Hamba Kahle Chief. Rest in Peace.

Prof Cheryl Hendricks