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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Gregory Alexander
Steven Lee Gruzd
1972 - 2026
1972 - 2026
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Tributes
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Tim Murithi
"Steven Gruzd's passing has left us with deep sorrow but also with immense gratitude for the time we shared with him. Steven was more than the Head of Programme at the South African Institute for International Affairs. He was a thinker, a mentor, and a bridge‑builder. His work fought for Africa’s role in the world, and his voice carried clarity, conviction, and compassion. He believed that research and dialogue could transform societies, and he dedicated his career to ensuring that Africa’s perspectives were heard in global debates. Steven was a man of warmth and generosity. He encouraged younger scholars, welcomed diverse opinions, and created spaces where ideas could flourish. His colleagues remember not only his intellect, but his kindness, his humor, and his unwavering belief in the power of people to make a difference. Steven’s vision was of an Africa that is confident, engaged, and influential. That vision will continue to guide us. His legacy is not only in the books he wrote or the programmes he led, but in the lives he touched and the inspiration he gave. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life. Let us carry forward his commitment to justice, dialogue, and inclusion. And let us remember Steven Gruzd as he truly was—a scholar, a leader, and above all, a friend. Though his voice is silent, his vision still speaks—guiding Africa’s path and lighting the world with the wisdom he leaves behind. May his memory be a blessing, and may his example continue to inspire us all."
Bindi Bettman (Maisel)
My first encounter with Steve was in high school when he canvassed me over the phone to come to Netzer camp. He was persistent - it wasn’t a one-off call - but he was obviously convincing, because the following December I found myself in Pringle Bay, which quite literally changed the trajectory of my life. At Netzer I found a group of people that challenged my way of thinking, gifted me with some of my most cherished memories, and introduced me to my closest lifelong friends. Steve was so funny- I loved being around him because he made me happy. Whenever I was with him, I knew we would laugh - real, proper belly laughs. I can still hear his. Before I immigrated, I spent a lot of time with Steve, Mands, and baby ‘Lollypop,’ whom I adored. I loved visiting their apartment and seeing Steve and Mandy in their roles as new parents. It was chaotic and new and hard, as it is with a first child - but it was so happy. I loved sharing that time with them. The thing I remember most is the way Steve and Mandy interacted with each other. They shared a certain look, reserved just for them. Mands, with a half-smile on her lips but a full smile in her eyes. I remember how he made you laugh Mands. I know a lifetime has passed since those days, but the memories remain so vivid - watching cricket and rugby together (how about those bokke! ), our Netzer days, the way Steve would always find a silly way to say my name, like Bondo or Bindalicious. Those moments, and so many more, will always be precious, and mine to hold onto, forever. To Mands, Lauren, Megan and family, I can’t comprehend what you must be going through. My thoughts and all my love are with you all.
Helen Alexander
I met Steven in 1991 - my maddie for Magen Chaim, at my first-ever meeting in our rickety old Bayit - this crazy guy with a mallet, who performed extraordinary (slightly disturbing!) Tongue Tricks. It wasn't long before he had convinced me to come to Mini Machaneh, where they did the most awesome pe'ula on the different political parties that were forming for the birth of the New South Africa. By Dec 1992, he, and the Magen Am maddies had managed to convince my father to sign (most of?) the Gross Negligence Clause on my machaneh application form, and they all proceeded to take us on The Best Am Seminar Ever in CT - from a charismatic church to a Hare Krishna dance ceremony ... and culminating in a live production of Hair (yes, the actors were naked! 😝) In Jan 1998 Steve & I rocked up for our first day of work at Unilever in DBN - I loved visiting the Gruzd's in their flat in Point Rd, and read the poetry they would write to each other with magnets on the fridge. I remember bumming a lift with them to Jozi one weekend ... I think it took us 10 hours to get there, thanks to Steve's very cautious 60km/hr driving speed on the N3 highway. Years later, and I guess not surprisingly, David & I ended up moving into Waverley, a few roads down from the Gruzd's - which goes to show that there are some people who are just meant to be a part of your life ... Mandy, Lauren & Megan, our hearts are broken. Steven was a most magnificent person, and it is our honour to call him our friend. We send you so much strength & love, and pray that his blessed memory will be able bring you comfort, and ultimately joy. May his dear soul rest in peace. תנצב"ה. Love Helen, David, Sam & Ray Alexander
Tali Feinberg
It’s been a week now and it’s still so hard to fathom that Steve is gone, taken so brutally. Wise, warm, supportive, full of knowledge and enthusiasm, and excited about the things he loved… it is all the more cruel that such a special person was taken the way he was. Always such a support to everyone at the SAJR, it will be very hard to carry on without him. I’m thinking of Steve and his family all the time, and I hope you find peace in knowing he made an impact on everyone he encountered.
Lyall Shapiro
It was with utter disbelief and shock that I learned on Sunday of Steven's kidnap and murder. I continue to be struck by what must have been the terror of his last hours, and cannot fathom that so decent a person as he was forced into such a situation. The world has lost a kind and gentle man when it is more of him that we need. Steven and I were in the same classes in high school. There were many challenging characters in our class and year, but he was not one of them. Decent, thoughtful, caring. A mensch! I did not get to know his family, having left South Africa in 2000, but my heart goes out to them, and his friends. There are no words that can ease the pain, only the gratitude for and memories of a lovely man.
Vanessa Tyler Bourne (Spider)
Steven, I knew you through JT, my brother in our days with Netzer Maginim. I always remember you as a quiet, unassuming young man, always with smile on your face! You were always with Mandy and it was lovely to see the life you created together, filled with love. My husband Tim and I were always in awe that you were a Scrabble champion. I just suck at Scrabble and every time we played the game we would tell friends that we knew someone who was a Scrabble champion. To Mandy, Lauren and Megan my heart breaks for the traumatic and tragic way that Steven was ripped from your lives. I pray that the abundance of memories of him will carry you through the unimaginable grief and trauma, and that the incredible life he lived will overshadow the manner of his death. Sending love, prayers and strength from Spider
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