The agricultural community was struck by devastating news of the passing of Professor Mohammad Karaan. Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer said it is a massive loss for the academic and agricultural community in South Africa. Read his statement here:

Today I join the rest of the agriculture sector in mourning the passing of the academic and thought leader on agriculture Professor Mohammad Karaan.

His death is a massive loss for the academic and agricultural community in South Africa. As academic and Dean of the Faculty AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University Professor Karaan leaves an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape.

We remember Professor Karaan for his contribution to the National Planning Commission and the Land Reform Advisory Panel. Professor Karaan played a crucial role in writing a chapter in the National Development Plan - Vision 2030 on shaping an integrated and inclusive rural economy for South Africa.

Sad news that Prof Mohammed Karaan, Dean of the Faculty Agri Sciences at Stellenbosch University has died due to Covid19. A huge loss for the agricultural and academic community in SA. Another tree has fallen. His legacy and contribution will continue to inspire us. @WCGovAgri

— Ivan Meyer (@ivan2meyer) January 13, 2021

He was a bridge builder between government and the agriculture sector and brought people together. He was a great facilitator of dialogue and reason in the political economy of South Africa. He understood the impact of policy uncertainty on the agricultural sector and offered pragmatic solutions. Agriculture was his passion and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

He also contributed to developing the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s approach to agri-processing, the design of halaal products, and the training required for farmers to access the halaal markets.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the late Professor Mohammad Karaan.

May his soul rest in peace.

More tributes poured in from the agriculture sector:

Agri Western Cape tweeted: “Very sad news indeed. Prof Karaan was highly respected and made an extremely valuable contribution to agriculture.”

Very sad news indeed. Prof Karaan was highly respected and made an extremely valuable contribution to #agriculture. It was an honour to have him as part of the Western Cape agri family. His insight, passion and knowledge will be dearly missed. https://t.co/HXrw1PchmR

— Agri Wes-Kaap (@AgriWesKaap) January 13, 2021

An SU colleague also tweeted about the passing of Prof. Karaan:

Very sad news of the passing of Prof. Mohammed Karaan, former dean of Agri Sciences @StellenboschUni and member of the NPC. A huge loss to the SU community and broader society. Condolences to his family. https://t.co/20TH82JqCU

— Ingrid Woolard (@IngridWoolard) January 13, 2021

Theo de Jager, president of World Farmers Organisation describes Karaan as a dear friend.

I’ve lost a dear friend of many years, an original thinker, the eternal student and true academic, a great philosopher, a visionary leader “who did not merely walk where the path led, but who explored those areas where there were no paths, and left a trail” RIP Mohammad Karaan pic.twitter.com/nWvumta0gs

— Theo de Jager (@TheoDJager) January 13, 2021

During the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event held at Groot Constantia last year, Professor Mohammad Karaan gave Jan Boland Coetzee a glowing testimonial during his acceptance of the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership. Watch the video here.