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The African National Congress is saddened by the passing of Phillip
Tobias who as an Anthropologist has been ill for some time. His passing
has robbed South Africa of an outstanding and world renown South African
whose work has impacted on world knowledge on human origins and
preservation.
Phillip Tobias rose to prominence as a result of his diligence in
research of human fossils that led to the declaration of Sterkfontein as
the Cradle of Humankind and the place declared a World Heritage site. It
was not by default that the Nelson Mandela Foundation in conveying
President Mandela's view referred to him as an 'icon scientist'.
Phillip Tobias was a distinguished South African who also took a stand
against apartheid. He was one of the voices of reason during the
unfortunate days of apartheid that called for the release of political
detainees and prisoners. As a student activist he was opposed to minority
rule and segregated education in universities
His work on human genetics will continue to guide future scholars and
researchers. His undisputed findings have closed a significant chapter in
the history of human evolution that has shed light on the journey of
human development. To his family we are indebted as a nation and we
believe that his name must be amongst those that lifted our country to
prominence and hailed as a success.
As the African National Congress we join the rest of South Africans and
the world in conveying our condolences to the family and kin. May his
soul rest in peace!
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