South African politician Neil de Beer, who once served as national security advisor to Nelson Mandela, has died. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, leaving behind three children and a long career in politics and public service.
Neil de Beer dies: What’s the cause of death?
De Beer’s family and colleagues confirmed that he died from cancer. He had been receiving treatment and had spoken openly about his health struggles earlier in the year.
According to statements from political parties, De Beer’s death has left a gap in South Africa’s political landscape.
He was last seen publicly three months ago, when he thanked South Africans for their support during his time in hospital.
Early life and career in the military
Neil de Beer began his adult life in the South African Defence Force in 1987. Like many young white men of his generation, he was conscripted into military service.
He was deployed to Angola during the late stages of the border war.
However, his outlook changed dramatically in 1988 when he defected from the apartheid security police to join uMkhonto weSizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). As an intelligence officer, he worked underground at a time when the ANC was still banned.
De Beer said he began to question the apartheid system after an encounter with a prisoner who told him:
“You can kill me, you can murder me but after me comes a million and after that another million. Because this is not about race, this is about dignity.”
After the democratic transition, De Beer became national security advisor to President Nelson Mandela.
This role involved helping to protect the new democracy and ensuring the safety of the country’s first black president.
Political career and the UIM
De Beer left the ANC in 2020, saying the organisation had lost its way and no longer represented Mandela’s vision.
He went on to form the United Independent Movement (UIM), which later registered as a political party in 2021.
He positioned himself as a strong critic of corruption and poor governance, often clashing with rivals.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, the UIM joined the Multi-Party Charter, a coalition of opposition parties working together to challenge the ANC’s dominance.
Tributes from across the political spectrum
Tributes poured in following his death.
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said:
“In Neil de Beer’s passing, South Africa has lost a powerful voice for change. His convictions and fearless personality made him a force to be reckoned with and a valuable partner to the Multi-Party Charter.”
Build One South Africa (OSA) leader Mmusi Maimane also paid his respects, saying:
“Neil was a passionate advocate for strengthening South Africa’s democracy through reform, accountability, and people-centred leadership. His voice, energy, and unwavering commitment to the people will be sorely missed.”