It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the untimely passing of Dr. Antonie Nord - the Head of the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s International Department, the first Director of the Cape Town office, and above all, a dear colleague. For those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Antonie, her passing is an immeasurable and incomprehensible loss.
Antonie was a remarkable human being - witty, thoughtful, and a deeply committed feminist who believed in, and fully embodied, the values of gender justice, democracy, and human rights. She worked not only to advance equity, but to practice it in how she led, collaborated, and mentored. She was ambitious and equally dedicated to supporting the ambitions of others. Her generosity, patience, and ability to truly see people—beyond titles or hierarchy—made her an extraordinary leader and colleague. Antonie treated everyone with dignity, openness, and a deep sense of humanity, care and humility. She loved wholeheartedly. She listened deeply. She made one feel seen and heard. She radiated warmth, grace and compassion. As one colleague so beautifully put it, “meeting Antonie was like being enveloped by the sun”.
Knowing of, working with, and learning from Antonie’s human-centred leadership has been an honour and a privilege. Her moral values and principled ethics have defined the solid ground upon which our work rests. Her legacy will live on not only in the work of the Foundation, but in the hearts and lives of all who were fortunate to have known her.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Antonie’s family and friends. We hope that our love for Antonie, and our solidarity with you, bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Hamba Kahle, dear Antonie. As our team honours and celebrates your life and legacy under Cape Town’s grey skies, it is in the sunshine of your warmth, light, and spirit that our memories of you will forever live on.