Cape Town - Friends and family of late non-racial sport stalwart Frank van der Horst paid their last respects during a church service and live broadcast at a Funeral Home Chapel in Maitland.
Van der Horst, who died on Monday at the age of 86, was the former president of the South African Council on Sport (Sacos) who fought for non-racial sport among the oppressed and marginalised during one of the darkest political eras in the nation’s history.
The speakers at the funeral service described Van der Horst as “a life well lived” and someone who was outspoken and not afraid to speak the truth.
Memories were shared by lifelong friends who were able to share the private side of Van der Horst, including that he was a foodie and his love for outdoor activities including karate and hiking.
Delivering the tribute was Eugene Cairncross, who was one of Van der Horst’s ex-learners at Oaklands High School during the early 1960s where he taught Geography.
“He taught with passion and enthusiasm and included lectures on not just Geography, but the political issues of the day. He educated us in all aspects of the apartheid capitalist system.
“Frank’s teaching career did not last long – about two years, I think – but he raised the political awareness of all the students he came into contact with,” said Cairncross.
Fighting back the tears was best friend since 1945, Cecil Fredericks, who described his friendship with Van der Horst as “unconditional” and said it was a memory that he would continue to treasure.
“Our friendship began at a primary school in Goodwood, and from there it only grew with integrity, respect and great admiration for each other. Frank has left a void, but most importantly he has left great memories that will remain with me forever. My dearest best friend, Frank van der Horst, rest in peace,” said an emotional Fredericks.
As the hour-long funeral service proceeded, tributes were shown during the live stream where speakers recalled their time spent with Van der Horst and his contribution to a democratic South Africa.
Ex-chairman of the Athlone Squash and Rugby Club Cyril Engel said: “A principled man, a non-collaborator, a valiant fighter for non-racialism in sport and equality in society right to the end. Rest gently, Frank.”
Another ex-learner, Erin Carolus said: “A very principled teacher at Oaklands High, he made us aware of the Land Tenure Act and introduced some of us to hiking, which is still being pursued today.”
Van der Horst also helped organise the Olympics of the Oppressed, also known as the Sacos Games or Sacos Festival in 1982 and 1988, respectively.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the family and said sport was richer because of the legacy left by Van der Horst and Sacos.
“Today, South African sport continues to benefit from Frank van der Horst’s and Sacos’s legacy in the form of administrators who played their sport under the Sacos banner and now lead sports development in our country, as well as federations and teams who are welcomed throughout the world.
“As a nation, we are grateful for a struggle Frank waged with courage, principle and clarity. His values and the example he set will sustain us while he rests in peace,” said Ramaphosa.