Russel Botman, who held positions as professor and dean in theology, was the first and only black rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University after being the second black deputy vice-chancellor. As minister of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, he was also a steadfast leader towards unity in the Uniting Church of Southern Africa. He was an “academic by nomination”, called upon in higher education in ethics, missiology and public theology.

Botman expressed an unwavering commitment towards a just and equal society and environment through all the professional, community and social positions he held and delegations he lead, such as the World Council of Churches, World Alliance of Reformed Churches and their regional organisations, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees and Cape Town World Design Capita