We honour the life and legacy of Steven Gruzd, Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).
Steve was a globally respected international relations expert and a steadfast proponent of good governance across Africa. We will remember him for his remarkable intellect, camaraderie and the gentle spirit he brought to every interaction.
His passing leaves a significant void at SAIIA and across the continent he served so passionately. May his soul rest in peace.
We invite you to share your memories and tributes to Steve below.
113 responses
We will miss Steve enormously. He was a gentle-spirited and intellectually generous person. It was lovely to chat with him at work and he always left you feeling uplifted. His contribution to the field has made an impact. His think tank and policy community will miss him greatly.
Steve’s warmth and genuine kindness have been a rare gift. It’s this legacy that gives us all something to aspire to.
Rest well Steve, I only knew you for a month but your kindness captivated every space you were in and for that, I am forever grateful to have experienced being an intern in your time.
It will seem unreal for a long time. Steve was such a warm, gentle and curious soul. It was a privilege to work with him over many years together at SAIIA. As a fellow programme head, I knew I could always turn to Steve for a wise word and sound advice. He often asked me how things were with my wife and kids, and he would in turn provide an update on his family. I cannot imagine what they must be going through. He will be missed.
In working with Steve via two journal special issues, I found that he brought a wonderful humility and light touch to his work among the intellectual discussions of SAIIA colleagues. One would never know that he’d been a child prodigy that gained some acclaim by age 12 as a Scrabble whiz, going on to be ranked 6th in the world in 1995 at the World Scrabble Games. I believe Scrabble was more than a game for Steve, however. It was a beautiful way to wield just the right word. And he did that in his writing on issues of great international import, as well. Perhaps that was our common bond – an immense enjoyment of a word well employed in the service of conveying important ideas. I am thankful to have worked with this fine man.
Its so sad to come across the news of Steve’s passing. He offered himself to be interviewed for my PhD thesis and he was the kindest and was willing to assist when needed. Your legacy lives on Steve and I’m privileged to have crossed paths with you. I pray for comfort for his family and loved ones.
I approved Steve on multiple occasions to give his input and he honoured every single invitation even at short notice. A kind and generous spirit. Unreal. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
I met Steven briefly during my time with SAIIA in 2019-2020. His openness, warmth and knowledge was instantly obvious. Over the years, I read his expert articles on multiple issues of interest- it was apparent that he was an authority and thought leader. I am shocked and so sorry to hear about his untimely passing. My strength and love to his family.
Sometimes the visual imaging of someone characterizes aspects of the person’s individuality. Looking at the kindly, warm and empathetic gaze of the photos of the late Steven Gruzd, suggests that in his case the image matched the man.
I had several interviews on the phone, on radio and via email with Steven and he was always informed, polite, warm and thoughtful.
His murder and the terrible circumstances leading to it are a reminder of everything that is wrong with our society right now. His well-lived albeit far too short life and the outpourings of grief and appreciation for his contributions to making our country and continent a better place are reminders of one life lived in the right direction.
Steve, thank you so very much for the chance to be part of your team and the broader SAIIA family. For your word puns, your shared stories, your appreciation of an insightful occasional paper – and most of all for the chance to write “China, Africa and the Market for Donkeys”, and all that followed. I simply can’t believe you’ve left us. Love to your family and the whole SAIIA family too.
My most sincere condolences to Steven’s family and colleagues. He spoke proudly and often of his daughters, whom he loved dearly. Steven was a lovely person and an incredible international relations scholar and practitioner, always willing to be of help.
I first met Steve Gruzd in August 2009, when he spoke at the Southern Africa: 2020 Vision conference in Windhoek co-organised by the IPPR and University College London. He addressed one of his enduring passions: the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and how it could effectively improve governance across the continent. At that time, there was little interest in the APRM in Namibia, and some leaders were actively resistant to it. From that point on, Steve became a regular visitor to Namibia, working with civil society, via the IPPR, to build awareness and understanding of the APRM. Over time, that persistent effort bore fruit, and Namibia acceded to the APRM in 2017.
I had the privilege of working closely with Steve on governance issues, including contributing to workshops that he organised across southern Africa on how the APRM could be strengthened. While the work on the APRM remains unfinished, Steve’s example and spirit will continue to guide us in the years ahead.
On a personal note, I am proud to have called Steve a good friend. He was always generous with his time and support – simply one of the nicest people one could meet. In the truest sense of the word mensch, Steve was someone to admire and emulate – a person of integrity and honour.
As well as being an absolutely brilliant scholar, Steve was one of the kindest and warmest people I met at SAIIA. Although we met only two months ago, he showed me such kindness and care that eased my anxieties and made me feel that everything would be alright. I will always be grateful for this.
I offer my most sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him. I hope you continue to feel his love, and may we all carry forward Steve’s legacy of unwavering kindness.
The news of the tragic passing of Steven Gruzd came as a terrible shock.
The manner of Steven’s passing is also deeply disturbing and something that should not happen in South Africa or in any country but that unfortunately happens too often here.
Steven’s many writings on South African foreign policy and international relations were always authoritative and very informative.
My thoughts are with Steven, his family, his friends and colleagues.
I am still in shock with the news of Steve’s passing and the enormous loss of his intellect and leadership to the policy community. He edited a paper I wrote many years ago and I still recall his wise and gentle coaxing and encouragement. My deepest condolences to his colleagues, friends and family. Cry the beloved country. Marianne
This loss will sting for a very long time. We were robbed of such an amazing soul. I will never forget how he welcomed me when I first joined SAIIA in Feb and took me out for coffee just so I could be at ease and feel welcomed. He embodied everything about being a father and he would always check up on me and always went an extra mile. I am sad that I didn’t get the opportunity to know him longer, but I will always carry the advice he gave to me when we first met for the rest of my life and very grateful for the little time we spent together. My deepest condolences go to the Gruzd family, colleagues and everyone who had the honour and privilege of knowing Steve. You will be missed every day and nothing will be the same without your precious smile and warmth.
Steve was kind hearted and wise senior colleague I could draw on. His unwavering commitment to SAIIA and his passionate dedication to advancing governance and democracy across the African continent represent a truly significant legacy. His intellectual contributions and warm humanity touched all who knew him. My deepest condolences go to his wife and two daughters during this difficult time.
I commend SAIIA for creating this space to honor the life and legacy of Steven Gruzd.
Steven was not only a respected policy leader, but also a colleague, friend and mentor. I had the great honor of interacting and engaging with him through the African Policy Circle Think, where his presence consistently enriched our discussions and collective thinking.
He was deeply committed to mentoring emerging researchers within the network—always generous with his time, thoughtful in his counsel, and intentional about nurturing the next generation of African policy leaders. His depth of understanding—both of continental dynamics and country-specific realities—made him a rare and invaluable voice in our network.
As members of this policy ecosystem, we carry a shared responsibility not only to remember his contributions, but to continue the work he championed: strengthening institutions, safeguarding civic space, and advancing evidence-based policymaking across Africa.
We shall miss him greatly.
I stand in solidarity with the SIIA team, the African Policy Circle, and all who were touched by his work.
#RIPStevenGruzd
Steven was kind enough to give me some time about 8 years ago when I first visited SA as a junior scholar, wanting to learn more about governance and democratic practices in South Africa. He offered to read my Occassional Paper when finished and spent some valuable time giving me tips on how to focus my work. This news is terrifying and a horrible loss for the community. RIP, Steven.
Steve was my friend. He was a great intellect and a truly good human being. Gone too soon. Go well, brother.
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Godspeed Terence. He truly cared for you.
I didn’t know Steven well, and first met him when he came to a seminar in the Political Sciences Department at the University of Pretoria many years ago. I was struck by his sincerity, insight and warmth and over the years I have followed his research and opinion pieces that were always so accessibly written, with appreciation. SAIIA had a solid, respected researcher in him . Sincere condolences to Steven’s family, colleagues and community. We are all the poorer for losing someone so committed to knowledge sharing , to peacebuilding and to better governance.
While I didn’t know him personally, I worked with him briefly on a special issue when I was still part of the SAJIA editorial team. He was always so pleasant to engage with. Rest in perfect peace, Steve.
I had the privilege of meeting Steve (alongside Elizabeth, Martha, and later Karin) for the first time in 2016, as an undergraduate student of Political and International Studies at Monash University. As the star-eyed undergraduate, Steve helped to quench my trust in knowledge. As the years went on, we became colleagues and friends. Steve would later grant me a groundbreaking interview for my postgraduate research, endorse my first academic book proposal, and guest lecture for my third-year course in Political Analysis at the University of Pretoria on the employment of country reports as a tool of political analysis, using the APRM as a case study.
Steve was knowledgeable, kind, and generous. We have lost a remarkable colleague, friend, scholar, and analyst.
Thank you for being a guiding light to so many of us. Thank you for your friendship and collegiality over the years, Steve. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
My condolences to Steve’s family and to our mutual colleagues at SAIIA.
Steve, thank you for your support and encouragement. I will miss seeing you at SAIIA events and your valuable feedback on project drafts. You were a brilliant mind. Enjoy playing all the Scrabble up there; one day, we’ll sit down for a game!
My condolences to Steve’s family and the SAIIA team.
I’m so sorry to hear about Steve. He really had a way to make people feel respected and heard in every interaction. His kindness was so deeply felt and I feel very privileged to have known him. This is a terrible loss. He will be missed, and never forgotten.
My condolences to Steven’s family and friends. Steven was a remarkable colleague and friend, was a true intellectual leader and this will be a very sad loss for the African continent.
I first met Steve (or “Stevovo,” as I fondly called him) in 2017 when I joined SAIIA. From the very beginning, he was one of the colleagues who made me feel truly welcome.
We shared many lunchtime walks—our so-called “Sidulha Club” (the chubby club)—trying to tackle our weight gain. During those walks, Steve would generously share his deep knowledge of the Torah and the prophets. His insights were always thoughtful and enriching.
Steve was kind, humble, and deeply empathetic. He often checked in on my children particularly my son who is a KES alumnus like himself, which spoke volumes about the kind of person he was. He was truly a remarkable human being, and we are all poorer for having lost someone so special.
I will miss you, Stevovo my friend.
My heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest with the Lord.
I remember so many good things about Steven. Feel privileged to have known him and a combination of anger and sadness at his passing. Feels raw. Love to all mourning his death and especially his wife and daughters.
Steve was an excellent mentor to many of the young scholars coming through SAIIA, myself included. He encouraged me to pursue my research interests and was a constant source of sound advice on different policy issues. The think tank and wider foreign policy community has lost an irreplaceable member. Rest in peace Steve.
My sincere condolences to the Gruzd family. Steven was a great scholar, a good leader and teacher. I was honoured to intern under his guidance after he published the APRM review back in 2009. I’d often hear him speak on radio interviews over the years and was proud to call him my former boss. May his soul rest in peace.
My heart aches so much for this devastating loss and the hurt felt by Steven’s family and friends. Not only did I have the wonderful pleasure of calling Steven a colleague during my years working in the Youth Program at SAIIA, his wonderful wife was also my high school history teacher. They both have been such amazing mentors and in many ways influenced my career in international affairs. May Steven’s wonderful soul rest in peace and may his wife and daughters be comforted in this season of grief. Sending all my love and heartfelt condolences.
It is impossible to process the tragedy of this past weekend, let alone the loss of a mentor. He moved through the world with a natural nobility, while being an individual grounded in principle, paired with an irrepressible joy for life that made every room he entered feel more alive. More than a boss, he was a shaper of minds. His impact on knowledge and rigorous debate will echo for years, a testament to a man who built rather than broke. We are all better for having known him. He will be profoundly missed.
Steve and I have known each other for two decades. We have travelled for work together in Africa, Europe and the United States, sharing many memories, travel moments and good times.
Our bond was strong – even though we haven’t seen each other for over four years, due to me leaving South Africa, we stayed in touch regularly, sharing news about our families and work, and sent each other photographs.
Steve has undoubtedly had the most influence on my career out of anyone I have ever worked with. I will forever be grateful to him for developing my work ethic, improving my writing and teaching me about attention to detail.
There is a void in my heart as I’m sure there is in many others.
Rest in peace, my friend.
It is with great sadness that I, and my colleagues at Southern Hemisphere, heard of Steve’s tragic passing. He always participated generously and enthusiastically in our conversations and offered tremendous insight into improving governance and democracy in Africa. We wish sincere condolences to all his colleagues at SAIIA and to his family and friends.
#RIPStevenGruzd
Thank you for your guidance and mentoring. Rest in peace boss.
I deeply valued every conversation I had with Steven. He brought a rare combination of intellectual depth and curiosity, offering thoughtful insights and drawing unexpected connections across numerous fields. What stood out even more was his humility; despite his expertise, he remained genuinely eager to learn and continually expand his perspective.
Steven will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and crossing paths with him.
One of the brightest brains in South Africa. A tragic death indeed. Law and order has completely collapsed in South Africa. Our country has been surrendered to criminals and gangs because of weak and spineless leadership. RIP Steven
Steve was a brilliant, kind man and a true thought leader. His warmth and mentorship was felt deeply during my time at SAIIA, despite only having had a few conversations with him. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time. May his legacy live on.
Before I moved to a different role at SAIIA, Steve was my manager. Under Steve, I learned everything I could from him which speaks to how generous he was with his time and knowledge. He was the type of manager that was willing to try new things (at least) once and trusted his team enough to lead from the back when the occasion called for it. Steve wore his heart on his sleeve, he cried when he was moved, never too big to apologise or admit when he was wrong. He was the colleague and leader you could always count on.
My birthday twin, I can’t believe he won’t be around to share a birthday with me anymore. Each year I would strive to be lowkey about our upcoming birthday to avoid attention but Steven on the other hand, would excitedly tell everyone amounting my efforts to naught. I will remember Steve for his kindness, his dry dad jokes, for affectionally calling me “Lu”, for telling me just how proud he is of me and his excellent writing.
Writing this tribute makes Steve’s passing so final. What a profound and tragic loss this is. We will miss you dearly SG, Nthate Gruzd, Steve-vovo. Heartfelt condolences to his family whom he spoke about every chance he got and his friends.
Hello from Tunis! I am Hoda, Laura’s friend and sister from UNECA and aprm Consultant ( SED-Gender & Governance ) . We met few years back in one of aprm’s meetings ( Tanzania, 2019) . I was moved to tears by your unique testimony , profound thoughts, sincere feelings and powerful words! May God welcome our dear friend Steve in his vast kingdom and give solace and patience to you, to his family and to all those who knew him and appreciated the remarkable human being he was. Sincere condolences !
While l spent a short time with Steve during our strategy session, we were at a point in one group. Undoutedly, Steve led the discussions with an open heart and was eager to listen to everyone. Go well Steve, you will be missed. Thanks for the little time we shared interacting.
For some months, the ISS and SAIIA had been preparing a second futures dialogue with the Netherlands and the SA government, which was eventually held at our office on Tuesday, 24th March, with Steve leading the SAIIA input and delegation. A full day of engagement, discussion and insights with Steve sharing his insights. Since a previous dialogue, a year earlier, Steve had become a good friend and colleague. It was with shock that we then heard the sad news, a few days later, of his passing. His work on the APRM and various other matters has earned him an important place as a source of knowledge, balance and academic integrity. Steve was a warm-hearted man of integrity, and we will all miss his contribution in our work. Condolences to his family and to SAIIA for this loss.
I’m deeply saddened to hear of Steven Gruzd’s passing. I had the privilege of meeting him in 2020 as an incoming KAS–SAIIA scholar. He was gentle, quick-witted, and made all of us feel at home from the very beginning.
I’ll always cherish the three days we spent in Botswana just before COVID, working to support civil society’s contribution to the APRM. From meetings at the EEAS offices, FES and the British Consulate to presentations with local organisations, I learned so much from him.
His warmth and humility left a lasting impression on me. May his soul rest in peace.
Steven Gruzd was a governance champion in Africa a very passionate person who dedicated most of his entire life to promote good governance in South Africa and the continent. We will miss him. May Almighty God receive his soul in peace.
It is with great sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd. Through his work with the South African Institute of International Affairs SAIIA, Steven was very closely connected to the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and was one of our most cherished South African partners. His exceptional expertise was something we greatly valued, and he was someone we trusted deeply on even the most difficult topics. His passing leaves us with a profound sense of loss.
On behalf of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Steven’s family and to his colleagues at SAIIA. We hope his family finds strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. We will always remember Steven as a reliable partner and a dear friend of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
There is this thing about Steven that will stay with me and will inspire me: Steven was smart, articulate, insightful, curious and visionary in all that he did and all along he was always incredibly kind and always truly interested in and curious about the person before him. He always had time to discuss ideas, projects or provide analysis or policy advice and, working with him, there was this sense of so much added value being created all along. Steven was also brave in his ideas and convictions. He was not someone who would follow the mainstream because it is the fashionable thing to do. He would look at policy issues thoroughly and from the standpoint of his beliefs and values and it was great to see someone who could be so original in his policy outtake. Last, but not least, Steven had tremendous love for SAIIA and tremendous appreciation for his SAIIA colleagues whether higher up or in the beginning of their career. He truly cherished his professional community. and he loved South Africa very much and truly cared about the country and conveyed this love for the country to non-South Africans like me. May Steven’s memory be a blessing for his family and all those who cherished him and appreciated him.
It was with great shock and sadness that I learnt about the tragic and heartless circumstances surrounding Steven’s death. It was all the more painful since I’ve known Steven over the many years when our paths crossed on different platforms while I was the Executive Director of the Institute for Global Dialogue. He always exuded warmth, had an engaging personality, and a deep intellectual grasp of matters related to international affairs.
An especially endearing moment took place at a Think-Tank 20 meeting hosted by SAIIA in November last year when he drew me aside to convey a special word of thanks and gratitude. He confessed that he was in a dead-end job until he came across one of our publications, “The IGD Guide to Think-Tanks in South Africa”. This is where he found the details of SAIAA, applied for a job here, and found employment that until his untimely death, marked him as a valued colleague, an eloquent voice, and a respected thought leader.
His memory and prodigious body of work will live on.
I had the great privilege of working with Steve at the Centre for Development and Enterprise – I haven’t looked up the dates, but roughly 2001 to 2006. I learned a lot from Steve, including how to stay calm under pressure, how to express a policy point clearly and without unnecessary academic fuss, how to wear a tie (discreetly unbuttoned) even when you really didn’t want to. I remember both his acerbic wit and his immensely kind and empathetic soul. I didn’t see a lot of Steve after that – perhaps once a year, when we might chat on the phone or have lunch or bump into each other in Woolies. But I was always pleased to know that he was there – doing very good work, being a very good guy. I miss him.
South Africa has lost an intellectual giant. I met Steven through a work commitment, and I can attest that he was kind, knowledgeable, a quick thinker and he was also well prepared for any engagement. I do believe that his work/insight will live on for generations to come. May God give comfort to his family, colleagues and close friends. May he rest in perfect peace.
To Elizabeth, Team SAIIA, and, most importantly, Steve’s family
It is tough to understand and accept Steve’s untimely and tragic passing.
I had known Steve for the better part of two decades. It was a privilege to get to know him and benefit from his insights and scholarship. He was highly respected, humble, witty, empowering, inspiring, and completely dedicated to his family, SAIIA, and our continent. His sad passing is an immense loss, given his nature and many gifts, and the lives of so many people on our continent and elsewhere that he touched. We are all the poorer for his passing.
A verse in one of the Afrikaans poet, Jan F. Cilliers’ (1865-1940) poems comes to mind in thinking of Steve:
Stil, broers,
daar gaan ‘n man verby,
hy groet,
en dis verlaas.
The poet calls for silence as he laments the passing of a great man who has greeted us for the last time in our earthly existence. Such a man is Steve Gruzd. Mentor and Mensch.
Your name and being will not be forgotten.
For one more time, Shalom, dear Steve.
It was grave sadness that I learned of the passing of Steven , I cherished friend , with exceptional knowledge and expertise .
Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues . God bless his soul .
Ambassador Ashraf Rashed ,
Chairperson , National APRM Commission , Egypt
I first met Steve in 2011 when he hosted me at SAIIA for 6 weeks during my PhD fieldwork on the APRM. He made sure I met all the key people in that network for my thesis, and he has kept interest and quality engagement on the APRM going all these decades. During one of the many inspiring conversations I had with him while visiting SAIIA, my favourite quote was: “There’s just something magical about the APRM!” I had this written on a post it note at my desk for years.
Steve was a kind and generous person. Filled with energy and enthusiasm. He brought that to his support for African governance- he connected people, supported research and policy networks. His death is a loss to this community and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.
My heart goes out to his family, especially his wife and daughters. Rest well Steve
Rest in peace Steven!
Your work and influence will endure through all those you have mentored and inspired.
Sincerest condolences to the Gruzd family and friends.
A great man and scholar is gone. I recall his humanity and generosity when he invited me to contribute a chapter to his co-edited book on African Accountability: What Works and What Doesn’t, 2014. Rest well, Steven Gruzd.
Many of us in the IR department, especially Larry Benjamin, have been working with Steve over many years and developed close friendships and cooperated a lot on many small and sometimes bigger projects and events. Writing this really hurts and words can only offer limited relief. We at Wits are equally shocked and will be missing a dear colleague and friend deeply. Steve has contributed to the personal and professional development of many of our students for which we are deeply thankful. His work on the APRM was building a legacy and found recognition far beyond South Africa. These are tough times and our feelings are especially with Steve’s family and colleagues at SAIIA.
May he rest in peace and continue enjoy a good scrabble match.
I wish to share my feelings of sadness and outrage on Steven’s passing. Why kind people have to die in such a way?
We shared our love for words and will renew my Scrabble inclination as a tribute to him.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Rest in Peace, angel.
I worked with Steve for many years – like others here – we traveled together, went on lunchtime walks around campus, collaborated on work: talked of democracy and geopolitics, war…but also of love and family. in all those engagements Steve was so giving.
He was the best at the worst dad jokes ever- and he took delight in making us cringe! He loved his girls and Mandy so much and we always connected over the joys and perils of parenthood. The columns he wrote of his family life when the girls were young kept me sane in my year studying in Scotland!
I’ve always believed that people teach you lessons. With Steve, I had an unfaltering admiration for how he chaired meetings – he was always timeous, knowledgeable, anecdotal and warm. He just did it with such ease.. I always thought that the career-related lessons would be the ones I’d take from him – but now I realise that his greatest gift has always been the warmth and sincerity that he connected with each of us.
I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. He was a kind man and a great scholar. RIP, Steven.
Please accept the deepest condolences from the friends and colleagues of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI-Milan). We had the pleasure and honor to co-operate with Steven. He was truly a very nice person and great expert.
It is still incredibly hard to process the news of Steve’s passing. He was such an amazing and caring mentor who would go out of his way to make his colleagues, including a foreign short-term intern like myself, feel welcome and valued. He would make every effort to make sure I get the most out of my internship at SAIIA, and would still keep me in the loop through WhatsApp check-ins after my internship ended. I was just about to text him about an academic progress when the unthinkable happened. I would forever remember his immense kindness, his dad jokes, and all the wonderful memories that I had the privilege of sharing with him during my time in SA.
Steve was a wonderful scholar for SAIIA and journalist for the SA Jewish Report and a dedicated advocate for better governance across Africa through his APRM monitoring work. Not to mention a champion Scrabbler. He was also, above all, just a decent, friendly person, always ready to help where he could. It is unbelievable that he is gone so soon. My heart goes out to his family.
I am profoundly so shocked and pass my condolences to family of late Steve ,the entire SAIIA family ,his professional networks.Steve was a fine gentleman, full of passion for his work and in this time of grief can only say may his soul rest in eternal peace .
Steve had that wonderful combination of sharp intellect, warmth and humour – his work and personality were both such assets to SAIIA’s governance work and advocacy. It was a privilege to work with him at SAIIA those many years ago. It is such a terrible loss
Steve was so kind. He was always keen to personally and professionally connect. Steve was truly a gentle and lovely soul. I have known him for all of my career – since I was an intern, way back in the day! It is unimaginable to think of a SAIIA without him! So many things he created and contributed to – he was a brilliant mind! We will keep up the work in your honour dear Steve, knowing how much you believed in a more peaceful and more equal continent.
More than anything Steve loved Mandy and his girls. My love and thoughts to his family and to everyone who loved him!
Hamba kahle, Steven, you will be missed as a colleague (who was always willing to be an external examiner for Wits IR) and a mentor to our KAS students interning at SAIIA. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I learnt with shock about the passing of Steven. Two days before the fateful event we had the pleasure of his company and insights at the South Africa-Netherlands Futures Dialogue that we co-organized with SAIIA. Steven’s association with the Netherlands Embassy spans many years of collaboration on regional peace and security. He was a passionate, knowledgeable and reliable partner to work with. His expertise will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at SAIIA.
A long time ago Steven was part of CDE’s research team for four years. We were sorry when he decided to move on to SAIIA, although it was a far better fit for his interests. He made the right choice as evidenced by his highly successful career at SAIIA. His murder has shocked us all. His contribution in many different areas will be much missed, including his work at the Jewish Report. We wish his family long life and will be thinking of them.
Rest in peace, dear friend! I will always remember Steve as a kind and gentle colleague who became a dear friend over the past three years. I will miss him as a mentor, from whom I learnt so much in every conversation. He was always so humble about his knowledge. I will never forget the time we made him wear a tie for a meeting with the German Chancellor — he told us he hadn’t worn one in decades — only to discover that the Chancellor himself wasn’t wearing one, or how dedicated he was to picking out souvenirs for his wife and daughters during one of our trips abroad. My condolences to his family and to everyone at SAIIA and beyond who had the opportunity to meet him.
I was truly saddened by this tragic news, and I will remember Steven as a kind person and a great expert.
I remember when Steven’s wife, my then history teacher Mandy, gave birth to their first daughter. It was 2002 and I was in matric. I remember Mandy telling us how Steven drove no more than about 10km an hour home from the hospital with their baby daughter. I know he was a fierce intellectual, and I also know how gentle and kind he was too. May his memory live on. May justice be served. May systemic change that made this horror unfold in the first place come to a reckoning.
Steven’s passing is a profound loss. I had the privilege of working with him through our collaboration at Körber-Stiftung, and what stays with me is not just his remarkable expertise, in particular his nuanced understanding of Russian influence in South Africa, for instance, but the generosity he brought to every conversation. A brilliant mind and a kind person. My deepest condolences to his family and to all of you at SAIIA.
At a time when we need more than ever strong voices for good governance, accountability and the rule of law, the passing of Steve and its circumstances are not only a dramatic loss for his family, friends and colleagues; it resembles the dehumanized spirit of our times. A late thank you, Steve, for your determination and efforts to strengthen democracies on the continent and beyond!
Steven Gruzd was probably one of the most adorable person I have ever met.
He welcomed me to SAIIA during my visiting period for my PhD. Doing a PhD is a beautiful and enriching journey, but it comes with its negative sides, first of all loneliness. During those months at SAIIA, thanks to Steve, Gustavo, Tasneem, and the whole team, I felt much less lonely.
Although I only spent a few months in the offices in Johannesburg, and later kept in touch, I grew very fond of Steve- it was impossible not to.
I once told him how positively surprised I was by how kind everyone in the office was, and he laughed; he himself was the gentlest person of all, as well as a brilliant IR analyst. He was also deeply supportive of other people’s work (the first person who proposed publishing a paper based on my ongoing phd research!) and always present, despite his own enormous workload. Another time, he asked me to help him co-write a paper; when I sent him a first revision, he asked for permission to hug me. That was Steve for me – the king of kindness.
It is really difficult to comprehend this awful thing that happened. I don’t know if it will ever be possible to fully acknowledge it – it is simply beyond words.
My hearfelt condoleances to his family, his colleagues and his friends.
You will be deeply and forever missed, Steve. May you rest in peace.
Steven fought so bravely for the ideals and dreams of an open, free and equitable South Africa. As the rings of naked survival, abysmal poverty and general lawlessness are engulfing more than half of South Africa’s population of 28 million “social grant” recipients, the islands of decency and civilised existence are getting smaller and smaller. 4800 kidnappings in the first 3 months of 2026 are constraining all normal freedom of movement. Steven’s dream has been cruelly shattered but will not be forgotten.
I didn’t know Steve personally but have come across his name in many conference programmes, articles and publications. It seems to me that he touched many lives in a positive way and made a lasting impression on young researchers. Rest in Peace Steve and sincere condolences to Steve’s family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Steven’s passing. He was not only a respected colleague, but someone whose gentle nature and quiet generosity touched many of us.
When I first started managing the African Governance Architecture Support Project at the APRM, Steven offered his time, technical guidance, and steady encouragement without hesitation. His support made a real difference at a time when I was finding my footing.
I will remember not only his expertise, but the humility and kindness with which he shared it. He had a way of making both the work and the people around him feel supported.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Rest easy my friend. Africa has lost a champion.
I had the honour of meeting Steve through a joint project at Körber-Stiftung. The first time we met in person was roughly a year ago in Bandung, Indonesia. It was then that I realized what a smart, intelligent, visionary, kind, and humble person Steve was. I learned a great deal from him while we were working together on the project, as he always made time to discuss ideas, develop projects, and offer thoughtful policy advice.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.
May you, dear Steve, rest in peace.
What a warm, bright and lovely person. Steve was a friend in London where we both did our masters, and then in Johannesburg some years later, via SAIIA. We were always amazed at his brilliance (not least on the Scrabble board) and his thoughtfulness. My deepest condolences to Steve’s family, colleagues and friends. He will be remembered, and celebrated, as such a positive and kind force in the world
Memories of LSE in 1996-7 have faded but Steve I remember vividly. I remember when we peppered him with questions about what makes a good scrabble player. Yes, he gamely, if slightly wearily, indulged us but these were questions he’d been asked many times. What a gentle, charmingly, talented fellow.
As a member of the Embassy of Mexico in South Africa I had the opportunity to meet Steve through SAIIA; to coordinate events; to learn from his wide knowledge between 2016 to 2023. I still follow SAIIA’s activities from my retirement in Mexico, which have included many interventions from Steve. My most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Steve will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
The passing of Steve under such devastating tragic circumstances is so heartbreaking. Steve was such an advocate of our country. His dedication and commitment to this country was beyond measure. I worked with Steve on the African Peer Review Mechanism at its inception. Travelling to Rwanda & Lesotho. He believes in the APRM as a great process for Good Governance on the African Continent. Steve you will be dearly missed. Deepest condolences to your wife, children and the SAIIA family. Rest in eternal peace.
I was shocked to learn of Steve’s passing. We studied together in London and saw each other on the IR circuit. He was a warm, generous guy with an incisive mind. My deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Why, why, why and how did this happen ?! One can only feel completely devastated and immensely saddened by this loss. Dr. Steven Gruzd who I have known for over 15 years now was such a sharp mind, an indefatigable researcher, a committed thinker and an optimist African when it comes to the long-term impact of APRM work across the Continent! Last time we spoke was in early 2025; and I remember him expressing his wish to visit my part of the world, North Africa, and also agreeing with me that APRM Secretariat and SAIIA should put more focus on the Maghreb countries specifically and encourage their active involvement in the Mechanism ! Steven was a remarkable leader, and such a friendly and warm person too! We are all inconsolable and will miss him sorely. May his soul rest in eternal peace! Sincere condolences to his family and to his SAIIA team members, friends and colleagues. Salam Steven, rest in peace !
Having worked with Steve for a number of years, I can only amplify all the wonderful tributes I see here. He was so full of knowledge, so beautiful to listen to, and so deeply thoughtful and kind. My thoughts are with his family and the SAIIA community during this tragic time.
Steve was a thoughtful, curious and warm human who I enjoyed working with over many years in different capacities. We shared laughs, frustrations, publications and platforms while both heading programmes at SAIIA. Even after we no longer shared an office, Steve would regularly drop me a message especially if South Africa was victorious over New Zealand in any sport! It is a life ended way too soon and my deepest condolences go to Steve’s family and his colleagues at SAIIA. He was rightly proud of his research on Africa’s governance but most importantly he really lit up when talking about Mandy and his girls. You will be missed Steve.
It’s hard to put into words how much Steven will be missed. He was a remarkable person, and his warmth touched so many of us. My team and I are holding onto the memories we have with him. Our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
When I first heard the tragic news of Steven from Chinese media, I simply couldn’t believe it. I first met Steven at an ISS conference in Pretoria last October. He was the moderator of our panel discussion, and we had a short talk during the conference. He had shared some insightful points to my submitted paper. I could sense his kindness, professionalism, and humility. I am grateful for this encounter. I wish him rest in peace and deepest condolences to his family.
Steve was a highly appreciated and important colleague and dialogue partner to Swedish Sida in the field of democracy and governance cooperation in Africa. He will be truly missed also in his personal capacity as a warm och accommodating person eager to encourage partnerships and dialogue. My deepest condolences to his friends and colleagues at SAIIA and to his family
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear this news. I would like to express my sincere condolences to Steven’s family, Elizabeth and the entire SAIIA family. My thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time.
Steve you will be missed by all but never forgotten. Your kindness, support and smile will be part of our lives forever. Rest in Peace.
Steve was a scholar of note, unmatched analyst and teacher.
Condolence to the family and SAIIA.
I am deeply saddened by Steven’s tragic passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues at SAIIA. He was truly an exceptional person, and I will always cherish the interactions we shared. He will be fondly remembered, and his presence will remain with us forever.
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Steve Gruzd. He was inclusive, kind and curious. A wonderful person to work with. My condolences to his family and colleagues.
The Free Market Foundation is greatly saddened by Steven Gruzd’s tragic death and we stand with our colleagues at SAIIA during this difficult time. Steven and his family deserve justice for this heinous crime.
Words fall short in capturing the shock of Steven’s sudden departure. He was a true scholar and gentleman, whether through his writings, lectures, or the gentle way he engaged with colleagues, friends, and family. His insights will be cherished and cited for generations to come. While this reality offers little solace to those who loved him, it does help keep his memory alive and highlights the urgent need for change in our laws and society. Steven, your absence leaves a profound void, and my heart goes out to your family. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
Condolences to Steve’s family and colleagues at SAIIA. Steve was a well liked and respected part of the South African International Relations community. He will be missed.
I knew Steve as a kind and genuine colleague during my time at SAIIA. I remember one of our early conversations starting with work, but it wasn’t long before he lit up talking about his family and the community he was part of. That shift, from researcher to proud husband and father, said everything about who he was. The work mattered. The people in his life mattered more.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife and daughters, and to the whole SAIIA family.
Deeply saddened and lost for words about Steven’s untimely passing. It was such a joy working with him to develop new ideas and things that matter. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
The Embassy of Brazil expresses its deepest condolences to Steve’s wife and daughters, and to SAIIA, as we mourn his passing. Steve will be dearly missed.
You were a mensch, dear Steven. I am so very sorry we have lost you.
Steven was a brilliant scholar and thinker. He was generous with his time and knowledge. When I started my project with the Pan-African Parliament in 2018, Steven was among the 15 people that supported me. He showed up for me when I needed him the most. Thank you for everything Steven. We were truly blessed to know you. Sleep well🥹
My thoughts are with Steve’s family and the team at SAIIA at this incredibly difficult time.
In my short time at SAIIA, Steve was incredibly kind, helpful and supportive. He was always willing to go out of his way to help. For this, I will always be grateful.
My condolences to his family and friends.
I got to know Steven in 2015, and never for a moment did I doubt his generosity of heart from that moment on. I’ve lost count of the partnerships between SAIIA and the African Centre for the Study of the United States at Wits. Steve, several colleagues, and I coordinated knowledge production and public convenings on multiple geopolitical developments. If a matter was a bit complicated, Steven would suggest a chat over coffee. It helped that we were both based at Wits, such that ad hoc chats over coffee were possible. Steven will be missed greatly.
My condolences to SAIIA, Steven’s family, and the global international affairs fraternity.
I met Steve when I was an intern at SAIIA, and quickly learned that he was a tough editor and an even kinder mentor, with a ready smile. Later, as a journalist, I got to call on him for his clear-eyed, but optimistic analysis and a bit of a chat. It was a joy to read about his Scrabble victories, but above all, he was a consummate girl dad and adored his wife Mandy. I am so very sorry for his family, and the SAIIA family.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. The news is truly devastating. Although I only had a few interactions with him both in Addis Ababa and Pretoria, I came to greatly appreciate his passion for his work, understanding of the governance landscape, generosity, and sense of humor. His loss is profound; not only for SAIIA, but for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
My thoughts are with his family and the entire SAIIA team during this difficult time.
I met Steven when I was with SAIIA some years ago, and tracked his writings since then. He consistently believed in the continent having a positive future, which is rare. But more importantly – he did what not a lot of people get right – he lived his life well and very decently. It is clear from the comments here that he would dedicate time and warmth to people and gave them dignity. I remember that too from working at SAIIA. My prayers are for for strength and grace for his family, and Elizabeth and his other colleagues and friends. South Africa’s policy community is not huge, his loss will echo. But his deposit in lives and thinking is a legacy that will be present for decades to come. Thank you Steven.
I initially worked and interacted with Steven online for the first two years, so by the time I met him in person, it was like we had known each other a lifetime. He was a great champion and supporter of our work at SIVIO Institute. I was inspired by his kindness, thoughtfulness, intellect and energy whenever we engaged. I’m still in shock over this tremendous loss. Rest in peace, Steven. You will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and SAIIA colleagues during this difficult time.
Steven,
The widespread reaction to your passing is an indication of the respect and admiration your commanded. Your contributions to SAIIA were as impressive as your work, which was difficult not to read. You leave behind a legacy, which not everyone has the privilege of doing.
You are missed because your absence makes a difference. You once walked this earth, but your footsteps remain.
Having known Steve for 23 years and worked with him for approximately 20 of those years, he was not only a colleague, but a friend. He was a true team player who was always willing to step in and assist. His soft heart was a big part of what made Steve, Steve. His love for scrabble, rugby, along with his passion for the work that he did – both at SAIIA and external, shone through him. His reach was far and wide. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him and our daily lives at SAIIA will be the lesser without him. Future birthdays without your call will never be the same again. You are and always will be missed. RIP Steve.
Thank you for your kindness as I started at SAIIA. May your soul rest in peace, and thank you for being a wonderful colleague
I am deeply shocked and saddened by Steven’s death. The circumstances surrounding it fill me with anger and a sense of helplessness. My thoughts are especially with his wife and children during this incredibly difficult time.
I met Steven during my three-month internship at SAIIA in 2004. He was the one who picked me up from the airport, helped me find my first place to stay, and made sure I felt included from the very beginning. I have very fond memories of the pub quiz nights, where I was lucky enough to be part of the team “No Friends of Bob.”
He made me feel truly welcome, and I will always remember his kindness.
To Steven’s family: I am thinking of you and grieving with you. I hope you are surrounded by people who support and comfort you in the days ahead.
The shock of Steve’s tragic death will not fade. Having reconnected a few years ago, after being colleagues all those years ago, he will be remembered for his intellect, sense of humour, and collegiality. Sitting next to him during the day-long research meetings was memorable!
Rest in Peace, Steve.