Prof Charles was a professor, became a colleague and friend
My relationship with Prof became important to me, he was instrumental in the thought leadership as he became crucial to support my initial thinking on how to approach the mandate and shared my ideas with him.
He was always gentle, guiding and always kind.
With my simple questions – he was able to create for me a space to just ask and be.
He fostered a sense of responsibility as one takes on these tasks at a global space
Fostering a space for intellectual and thought leadership
He has built a formidable army of human rights
We discussed at length the approach I would take to the mandate at the UN
I spoke to him and discussions at length about issues of right to health — not just equity or equality but substantive equality
He has been an amazon ally and teacher, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be so clear and methodological.
He was soft and steady – he was committed and an activist
He supported the fire within many of us as his mentees
He provided us the tools to take on the world
There has been an outpouring of tributes from across the world and shows how his legacy is so far reaching.
To mom Patricia, we send our condolences and thank you for the time your afforded us with Prof.
There are no words magnificent enough to describe our collective
Grief will be tough in the coming days
Hope that you take comfort in that through many of us, his legacy lives on
He would so very quickly answer, the void is so real and so deep
We were so deeply connected with Prof Charles.
To my siblings, Prof’s mentees, and those who we have become friends.
We must remain committed to doing the work with the ethic that he modelled for us.
Sleep well our beloved Prof Charles Ngwena.
The shade of the baobab is gone, the roots remain within us.
We will always deeply love you Prof Charles Ngwena.