In July 2013, Professor Herbert W. Vilakazi delivered the Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture at Walter Sisulu University. He titled his lecture: "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Where Do We Go From Here?" In the middle of that lecture, he posed a question that now echoes in my mind: "What heritage shall we leave behind? What imprint shall we leave on current, immediate and future history?"
Professor Herbert Vilakazi has left an indelible imprint; on our academia, on our historical record, and in our psyche. His prolific writings and lectures have opened minds. His intellectual honesty has been a balm to our souls. The heritage he leaves behind is rich beyond measure. With his passing, we find ourselves standing on the shoulders of a new giant.
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