312pp., illus., paperback, Best Red, Cape Town, 2025

ISBN: 9781928246688

Wieland Gevers' account of his personal and professional life is set against the history of higher education in pre- and post-apartheid South Africa.

"Arguably one of South Africa's two or three foremost science citizens, Wieland Gevers is an academic journeyman who behind the scenes helped build a formidable architecture that birthed the Academy of Sciences of South Africa, defended the modern qualifications system of our universities, and established several world-class biomedical science centres. Mentored by two Novel Prize winners, he gave up a prestigious career overseas to underpin the transformation of universities after apartheid by attending to the nuts and bolts of higher education reform. An institution builder who shunned the limelight, South Africa owes this remarkable man an immense debt of gratitude. Inspiring, accessible, and deeply moving, read this outstanding book and discover why." Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor of Education, Stellenbosch University

"This is beautifully written and takes the reader on an eight-decade journey of a consummate scholar, teacher and active citizen whose life has touched and shaped many in South African and elsewhere, either directly or indirectly. It is a joyous celebration of life lived to the full by one of the country's most gifted scientists and prolific nurturer of multiple generations of scholars." Mamphela Ramphele, founder and patron on Reimagine SA

Wieland Gevers (b. 1937) is Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at the University of Cape Town, former President of the Royal Society of South Africa and Academy of Science of South Africa, and founding President of the South African Biochemical Society. He served as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Provost-equivalent) responsible for planning and academic process at the University of Cape Town (1992-2002) and after his formal retirement was the founding Interim Director of UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (2002-2005). He was also Deputy Chair and principal drafter of the 2012 Ministerial Review Committee Report on the "Science, Technology and Innovation Landscape" of South Africa. Among his many awards are a Gold Medal for meritorious service from the Academy of Science of South Africa and the National Order of Mapungubwe in Silver from the President of South Africa.

THE MEANING OF A LIFE, a South African scientist's tale

: Gevers (W.)

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