Farewell to legend
SESHEGO will come alive this Saturday, albeit under a sombre atmosphere, when the South African sports fraternity gathers to bid a final farewell to the late sportswriter, Ramatsiyi Moholoa.
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – SESHEGO will come alive this Saturday, albeit under a sombre atmosphere, when the South African sports fraternity gathers to bid a final farewell to the late sportswriter, Ramatsiyi Moholoa.
Rama, as he was affectionately known among his circle of friends, was described as a humble person dedicated to his work. He spent two decades writing for the Sowetan newspaper.
According to his cousin, Solly Motlapema, Rama allegedly suffered a heart attack last week while watching television at his home in Krugersdorp.
A distraught Matlapema said: “I left him sitting on the sofa watching TV. Later in the morning, I went to the kitchen to make coffee and he was still where I left him. I tried to wake him up, but he was unresponsive. That’s when I realised that he was no more”.
This Saturday, sports personalities, federations and members of the Fourth Estate are expected to come in large numbers for the burial of the late legendary sports journalist, whose insightful knowledge of sport in general earned him a plethora of accolades.
The 2013 South African sports awards journalist of the year recipient was described by industry captains and sport revolutionaries as an astute writer who extensively covered athletics, football and softball, among other sporting codes.
Rama, who was a freelance SABC sports analyst at the time of his death, crisscrossed the world covering international events, including the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where the South African national u/23 beat Brazil 3-1 and the IAAF World Championships.
Following his death at the age of 42, messages of condolence poured in from various sports associations expressing shock at the death of one of the icons whose perseverance was unsurpassed.
In a statement, the premier soccer league (PSL) said: “the PSL would like to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Moholoa and his friends in the football and media fraternity. As a journalist, Ramatsiyi played an important role in writing about PSL matches and activities”.
Former netball South Africa’s selection convenor and assistant Proteas coach, Cecilia Molokoane said: “I was driving when I heard of Rama’s death. I was so devastated because he was like a brother to me”.
During his glorious career, the all-rounder was honoured by sports minister, Fikile Mbalula for his excellent work.
Limpopo Premier, Stan Mathabatha sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Sowetan Sports journalist, Benjamin Paul Ramatsiyi Moholoa.
Mathabatha said the province learnt with heavy hearts the passing away of one of the most affable and award winning sports journalist.
“Moholoa of Seshego Zone 2 house No: 2250 Newtown Section was best known as Rams. He had illustrated himself as a national sports writer, having spent years with the Sowetan and being a resident sports analyst with Thobela FM. On behalf of the entire Province, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all the sporting bodies throughout South Africa that indeed we have lost a man amongst men
This young man will be remembered for being fearless, incisive and reporting on all sporting codes with the agility they deserves. Without such type of reporters, the sporting world is today poorer,” said Mathabatha.
The funeral service will start at 06: 30 at Ngoako Ramahlodi Indoor Sports Complex – Seshego Zone near the Police Station and will be buried at the Seshego Zone 8 cemetery on Saturday morning.
My his soul rest in peace!
