Leon Swartz, Director of Population and Development Research at the National Department of Social Development, and UAPS Representative for Southern Africa (2015-2020) passed away on 30th December, 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa.
He was a member of the Population Association of Southern Africa (PASA). As such, he actively advocated for close collaboration between PASA and UAPS, including conducting joint activities.
He passionately supported UAPS and its objectives since joining the Union in 2007. He continuously secured funding for the Union’s journal – African Population Studies.
Leon was a teacher and mentor to many demographers and population scientists in Southern Africa, especially students, to whom he has been an advisor and a role model. He encouraged early career scholars to be UAPS members and participate in the Union’s activities such as the APCs. This was evident in the record number of young scientists from South Africa who attended the 8th APC, most of whom were first-time participants.
UAPS has lost a dedicated colleague and friend.