Dr Sonn exemplifies a legacy of education, community empowerment

THE passing of Dr Franklin Sonn on 15 November 2025, was unexpected but also a reminder that death is our ultimate destiny and we all must make preparations and provisions for that moment and the journey into the hereafter.

- RIEDEWHAAN ALLIE

SOUTH Africa's first ambassador to the United States in the democratic era, Franklin Sonn, remembered for a lifetime of leadership, service, and nation-building. | STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY/X

(STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY/X)

Everyone seems to know Dr Franklin Sonn the academic and former rector of the Peninsula University of Technology, and his appointment as South African Ambassador to the USA by former President, Nelson Mandela in 1995. Dr Sonn was widely regarded as a stalwart in the fight against apartheid education. In his role as educator and principal of various schools he worked tirelessly to instil in students the belief that they can overcome the difficulties in their communities through hard work. His investment as a caring educator had a huge return, which is evident in the success of learners from various Cape Flats schools who became academics, teachers, lawyers, health and welfare professionals and business and corporate directors.

Dr Sonn was recognised as one of the leading voices of the oppressed masses, and together with Professor Jakes Gerwel, had to be at the forefront when UWC and Pentech student protests led to confrontation with police. He said, “we had to take the frontline facing rubber bullets, teargas and detentions. We did this as a mark of solidarity with the cause of the students, but also to protect our staff and students”.