It is with sadness that I learn of Lord Renwick’s passing. He was an outstanding UK Ambassador to South Africa. I was privileged to have worked with him on his media communications during his tenure here.

When Nelson Mandela was released, Lord Renwick organized a luncheon four days later at Linger Longer in Braamfontein. I believe the first foreign Ambassador to do so. I was tasked with organising the late and great Giselle Wolfshon to take the official photographs at this luncheon.

My remit was to pick her up from Yeoville and take her to the restaurant in order to make sure she was not late and that she arrived in advance of the scheduled meeting, which I duly did.

Lord Renwick subsequently ordered over 350 prints from Giselle.

Party politics aside, having been exposed to many diplomats in my time with the UK Government, Lord Renwick was an amazing Ambassador, plugged in, network connected and media savvy.

A few years back I received a voicemail on my cell from him saying if anyone could find some photographs of his tenure here it would be me – a wonderful compliment – and could I call him back, which I obviously did.

He was extremely influential. When Patrick Lawrence of Business Day was jailed in the early 90’s it was Lord Renwick who lobbied, successfully, for his release.

He was a man in touch with the realism of his time. He was an extraordinary diplomat.

I am sad to hear of his passing.https://hsf.org.za/news/in-memoriam-lord-robin-renwick-1937-2024