Tributes to Joost van der Westhuizen from Around the World – Add Yours
The death of Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen (45) on Monday, after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has created headlines around the world and an outpouring of tributes. Below is a collection of just some we have received. If you would like to add your own, please see details below… The learners […]
The death of Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen (45) on Monday, after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has created headlines around the world and an outpouring of tributes. Below is a collection of just some we have received. If you would like to add your own, please see details below…
The learners and staff at De La Salle Holy Cross College in Victory Park, Johannesburg, yesterday paid a special and heart-felt tribute to the former Number 9 rugby scrumhalf on the school rugby field. J9 is the name of the Foundation he founded for sufferers of MND less privileged than himself.
The College lowered their South African and school flags to half-mast for the day in remembrance of Joost on 7 February. The photo was deliberately taken in black and white by photography teacher, Andrea Lawless, to portray the sombreness of the occasion.
Paint the world Green and Gold on Friday
South Africans around the world will be wearing their Springbok colours on Friday, the day of Joost’s Public Memorial in Pretoria.
Fans from as far away as Japan and Canada have pledged to paint the world green and gold on 10 February – many, like Busie Mkwananzi in Ireland and Viaksha Hurinanthan in Kuwait, have told us they will be proudly wearing their rugby shirts. Some – like nurses and vets who have to wear uniforms – will wear Springbok scarves and SA flag pins instead.
We’ve heard from fans who will be passengers on planes, fans who will be patients in hospital on Friday (good luck!)… and all have said, no matter what, they will wear their green and gold.
We’ve even heard from fans around the world who are not South African… but whose lives were touched by Joost’s passion. Jacques Decoeur said he was a “great player, one of the best scrum halfs ever… Very much appreciated worldwide, especially in France!”
A Kiwi fan sent love and condolences on behalf of his nation, saying many, many New Zealanders were saddened by the news. Brit Tony Archer said: “I am a Pommie, here in the UK. I lived in the Durban area for 7 years and adore the Boks! I will take pride in wearing my Jersey as a mark of genuine respect for this wonderful representative of South African Rugby!”
Personal Tributes from Family of MND Sufferers
Tributes have also poured in from those who have lost or live with someone who has MND themselves.
Andy Lawrence said: “My dearest sister succumbed to MND. Her life was a total inspiration to all of us. I do mourn our loss and that of her husband who really pulled out all the stops to give her many happy times. Her laughter in adversity will ring out for all eternity. When she slipped away she was attended by her precious girls who sang her favourite hymns to her? If I ever feel sorry for myself my own burdens mean almost nothing. She was my best friend from childhood and I do look forward to the day we will be together again in paradise. I have total certainty about this or my whole universe will collapse! Farewell Joost you are a blessing to all mankind!”
Karin Harvey said: “I lost my beautiful mother to MND aged 47… I mourn her loss every day of my life. She would have been 62 on the 28th of January and even though it’s been 15 years, I’m still a wreck on her birthday every year. What a horrible killer disease. No one deserves that.”
Cindy McGhie will be embarking on the Inca Trail trek to raise money and awareness for MND in May this year. She said: “I have been in tears for days for Joost! What a very, very special man. Close to the anniversary of Dad, and was a fighter for the same number of years. Another reason to get up every single day to make sure I cross that summit in Peru in May!”
Many female fans spoke lightheartedly of how Joost had been their first heart throb, and many were surprised by their tears for the passing of someone whose days we knew were numbered.
Sindiswa Sindi Nyimbana said: “This is indeed heartbreaking, we were never ready for this day, but God needed to free you from the pains. Rest well son of the soil, you did us proud and will always remain in our hearts.”
Share Your Tribute
If you have a memory you’d like to share of how Joost van der Westhuizen touched your life, and if you would like to send a photo in on Friday of yourself wearing Springbok colours on the day of his public memorial, please send to admin@sapeople.com
https://youtu.be/UNhIfyF-kOI
MORE
- South Africans called to wear Springbok colours on Friday
- Joost van der Westhuizen’s Public Memorial Service on Friday
- Jonah Lomu’s Tears as He Meets Joost van der Westhuizen in South Africa
- Schoolboys’ beautiful tribute to fallen rugby teammate
- Read an indepth article about Joost van der Westhuizen – SA’s Rugby Warrior who transcended the game he loved
- J9 Foundation
P.S. As South Africans in SA and around the world unite in grief, SAPeople chose to ignore a racist tweet that some asked us to share… as we believe its posting – and sharing thereof – would cause only division, as well as hurt for Joost’s children and loved ones. This is a time for coming together, for grieving and connecting.
P.P.S. Please, while you’re here, read about the 94 patients who tragically died in South Africa as a result of a cost-cutting exercise by the Gauteng Health Department. We understand the outpouring of love and concern for Joost and his family, but each of these 94 patients – who should never have died (most died from starvation, dehydration and diarrhoea) – also had family who loved them… and need our care and support. Thank you.