Dear Staff and Student Colleagues 

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Emeritus Professor JP van Niekerk, Emeritus Dean for the Faculty of Health Sciences and a towering figure in South African medicine. van Niekerk passed away on Friday, 12 December, at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife, Annette, and his sons, Gerrie and Joe.

Appointed as the Faculty’s first Deputy Dean in the early 1970s, Prof. van Niekerk was instrumental in shaping the institutional foundations towards modern medicine.

Most notably, he was the driving force behind the development of the Barnard Fuller Building, originally conceived as a postgraduate medical centre to advance continuing medical education. Today, the building stands as a lasting testament to his commitment to academic excellence, collaboration, and service.

Beyond academia, Professor van Niekerk was deeply devoted to sport, particularly squash, where he was widely regarded as a legend. He served the Western Province Squash Association and UCT Squash with distinction and was an Honorary President of the UCT Squash Club.

Remembered as a man of integrity, humility, generosity, and warmth. His legacy will continue to shape the Faculty, the University, and the many lives he touched.

Prof. van Niekerk will be laid to rest on Saturday, the 20th of December 2025, at the Kelvin Grove Ballroom at 10:30.
Please click here for live stream: https://youtube.com/live/He05I36fvcg?feature=share

Rest peacefully, rus goed, phumla kakuhle, Prof. JP

Professor Lionel Green - Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences