Minister Ngubane Pays Tribute to Prof. Friedl Sellschop - a Giant of Science in South Africa

6 August 2002

The Minister responsible for Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, is shocked and sad to hear of the passing of Prof. Friedl Sellschop on Sunday night. Prof. Sellschop was one of South Africa’s most eminent and exceptionally honoured scientists. He was part of the team that detected the first neutrino in nature on the 23rd of February 1965. This took place two miles underground at East Rand Proprietary Mines. He has also made major contributions in areas such as the properties of diamonds, in materials science and geological aspects. He held four honorary doctorates, the first of which he received in 1989 from the University of Frankfurt in Germany.

Prof. Sellschop made an exceptional contribution during the early 1990s to the redesign and redirection of the Science and Technology system. His advice was always of the highest order and he unstintingly gave of his time in sharing his considerable wisdom. His advice and the proposals that he made led directly to the National Research and Technology Audit, the National Science and Technology Foresight and the review of the science system, completed in 1998.

As a scientist and as a leader of scientists, his broad knowledge and strong orientation to people led to positive and creative solutions in all the fields he chose to express himself. On behalf of the Department, Minister Ngubane would like to extend his personal condolences to the family, as well as the condolences of the Government of South Africa. We give thanks for his massive contributions to our country and we will always remember his great warmth and humanity.

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTER (the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology):
Andrew Aphane