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Nicholas Haysom, Anti-Apartheid Lawyer Turned U.N. Peacemaker, Dies at 73
Haysom fought apartheid, advised Nelson Mandela, and held key U.N. posts in global conflict zones.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:03pm
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Nicholas Haysom, a South African lawyer who fought against apartheid, became a close legal adviser to Nelson Mandela, and later represented the United Nations in global hot spots, died on March 17 in Manhattan at the age of 73. Haysom had devoted his life to justice, dialogue and reconciliation, according to U.N. Secretary General António Guterres.
Why it matters
Haysom's life and career embodied the struggle against apartheid and the pursuit of peace and justice in some of the world's most complex and fragile settings. As a white South African who fought the racist system, he brought a unique perspective and commitment to ensuring minority voices were heard in conflict resolution.
The details
Haysom was imprisoned multiple times for his anti-apartheid activism in the 1980s. After helping draft South Africa's new constitution, he went on to navigate conflict and constitutional change in Iraq, Sudan, Afghanistan and elsewhere as a top U.N. official. His experience confronting apartheid 'colored his lens' and drove his focus on minority groups and inclusive dialogue.
- Haysom died on March 17, 2026 in Manhattan.
- He was the U.N. Secretary-General's special representative for South Sudan at the time of his death.
The players
Nicholas Haysom
A South African lawyer who fought against apartheid, became a close legal adviser to Nelson Mandela, and later represented the United Nations in global conflict zones.
António Guterres
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, who said Haysom had 'devoted his life to justice, dialogue and reconciliation' in 'some of the world's most complex and fragile settings.'
Niki Ganz
The deputy director in the U.N.'s Middle East division, who worked with Haysom and said his 'anti-apartheid history colored his lens' in focusing on minority groups and ensuring all voices could be heard.
What they’re saying
“Being a white South African shaped everything he did. He was intent on focusing on minority groups and making sure all voices could be heard. His anti-apartheid history colored his lens.”
— Niki Ganz, Deputy Director, U.N. Middle East Division
“Nicholas Haysom had devoted his life to justice, dialogue and reconciliation in some of the world's most complex and fragile settings.”
— António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
The takeaway
Haysom's life and career embodied the struggle against apartheid and the pursuit of peace and justice in some of the world's most complex and fragile settings. As a white South African who fought the racist system, he brought a unique perspective and commitment to ensuring minority voices were heard in conflict resolution.
