Glowing tributes to ex-Sowetan sports scribe

Friends, colleagues and club bosses paid tribute to former Sowetan journalist Ramatsiyi Ben Moholoa at a memorial service in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Moholoa died at his West Rand home last Thursday.

Speakers, ranging from football administrators to politicians, paid glowing tributes to Moholoa.

Former president of the SA Football Association Molefi Olifant revealed to those who had gathered that he would even seek advice from the esteemed journalist.

"Indeed he was a humble guy. I have known him for more than a decade and he would advise me," Olifant said.

He hailed Moholoa as someone who strove to help develop the game.

"He was a friend and a comrade. He was always on my side. He was always there to build and not to destroy. He was a rare breed," Olifant said.

"He did not have the might of the pen. While those who have the might of the pen have destroyed, Ramatsiyi did not destroy.

"Those who have the might not only destroyed some of us, they also destroyed our families.

"He never took sides as some journalists do by involving themselves in football politics," Olifant said.

Gauteng economic development MEC Lebohang Maile said he was also devastated by Moholoa's death.

"I actually once asked him to come [and] work in my department but he said to me, 'I am a journalist'. He was such a humble guy and very respectful. May his soul rest in peace."

Also in attendance were former Sowetan sports editor Molefi Mika, his deputy Sello Rabothata, and Orlando Pirates administrative officer Floyd Mbele.

selebim@sowetan.co.za