HOEDSPRUIT – Maruleng Municipality has resolved to rename the Maruleng Showground, currently under construction, to the Calvin Louis Moagi Sports Complex, in honour of the late Calvin Louis Moagi, one of the nine SANDF soldiers who tragically lost their lives during a clash with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This decision, supported by both the Moagi family and the Maruleng Municipal Council, follows a public participation process aimed at recognising and preserving the legacy of a local hero who served his country with distinction.

Moagi was a member of a peacekeeping force in the city of Goma when a rebel group attacked the South African troops. In total, 14 South African soldiers fell during the attack, three of whom were from the Mopani district.

Read more: Maruleng soldier killed in DRC peacekeeping mission

Mayor Tsheko Musolwa stated that the renaming seeks to honour Moagi’s ultimate sacrifice and ensure that future generations remember his contribution to national peacekeeping efforts.

Once completed, the Calvin Louis Moagi Sports Complex will boast world-class facilities, including an outdoor combi-court, a standard soccer pitch, a rubberised running track, and an indoor multipurpose centre catering for a range of indoor sporting codes.

Moagi’s uncle, Monageng Moagi, said that the circumstances under which their dearest young hero lost his life in a foreign country, in pursuit of saving lives, cannot just go unnoticed.

“The initiative taken by Maruleng Municipality is a giant decision. Moagi was an inspired sportsman who viewed sports as something that not only entertained people but also unites international communities. Although still grieving this great loss, we, as a family, acknowledge the decision made by the mayor and council. We do not take it lightly,” he added.

The complex will serve as a beacon of development and remembrance in the Maruleng community.