With contributions by JUDGE DENIS DAVIS and PROFESSOR MARK COTTON
The Cape Jewish Chronicle informs the Cape Town Jewish Community with sadness of the untimely passing of UCT academic, Professor Dan Stein, following a brief illness. Described as “one of South Africa’s most distinguished scholars”, Professor Stein, 63, was professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health.
He graduated in medicine from UCT’s medical school and then made the principled decision to leave South Africa to avoid compulsory military conscription. He trained in psychiatry at Columbia University, New York, then undertook a fellowship in psychiatric research at Mount Sinai School, New York. With the ending of apartheid, he returned to South Africa in1992 where he joined Stellenbosch University (SU) as an associate professor and then a full professor from 2002 through 2014. While at SU, he obtained doctorates in Clinical Neuroscience and Philosophy. In the enabling environment of SU’s department of Psychiatry with its focus on the biological basis of psychiatry, Professor Stein began his remarkable career that shaped his lifelong commitment to integrating neuroscience, clinical practice, community responsibility and philosophy in the study of mental disorders.
He became Departmental chair at UCT in 2015 where he established a superb and multifaceted department and an Institute of Neurosciences.
In remembering Professor Stein, Judge Denis Davis commented, “The passing of Dan Stein is a devastating loss for intellectual life in this country. Few, if any, academics in this country of his generation have made such a profound contribution to knowledge in his chosen fields which were complex and varied But more than that he was a true mensch, a great mentor and an inspiration to those like me fortunate to know him.”
According to UCT News, “He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of scholarship, leadership, mentorship and humanity. He mentored and supported colleagues in Africa to integrate African manifestations of psychiatric conditions into global research. He elevated UCT, SU and South African science on the global stage, built institutions that will serve future generations, and dedicated his life to improving the lives of people living with mental illness.”
Dan Stein leaves behind his wife, Professor Heather Zar, three children (Gabriella, Josh and Sarah), and a grandson, Raffah, as well as numerous academics and students in South Africa and globally, who feel his loss deeply.
- For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
- Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle: R450/year, or R38/month via debit order. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- The Cape Jewish Chronicle reaches over 6 000 readers monthly across print and digital platforms.
- To book advertising space or discuss a custom package contact Adéle Gradner Mobile: 083 321 5222 | Office: 021 464 6736 | Email advertising@ctjc.co.za
