St Benedict’s College has mourned the death of preparatory sports coach Ephraim Mohlakane (43).
The school confirmed that Mohlakane died on July 9 due to complications from an ongoing stomach illness.
Mohlakane served at the school for over 13 years and was known as Ephy.
“Ephraim was the epitome of passion and inspiration. The dedication he had towards his job could only be eclipsed by the love he had for his family and friends. I feel privileged to have known him,” said Grant Wright, head of the school’s prep sport.
He coached various sporting codes, including soccer, rugby, cricket, cross country and athletics, but it was in basketball and hockey where his passion lay.
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Mohlakane represented the country at the Special Olympics for field hockey, and coached the country’s team in basketball.
“How lucky are we to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to. Keep on dancing,” said Kaylin Shortt, head of prep aquatics.
Mohlakane was always keen to give back to the boys at St Benedict’s.
“Rest in peace coach Ephraim, a truly great man who will be missed by many,” said Adam Naylor, St Benedict’s 2019 learner.
Mohlakane’s work with the Special Olympics was always so close to his heart.
He lived by the credo, “I am not here for the headlines, I’m here to make a difference” which summed up his character, goodwill and the compassion he showed in his day-to-day life.
Mohlakane is survived by his wife, Nobantu, his son, Tumi, and daughter, Naledi.
“I just heard the news that my friend Ephraim passed away. My thoughts are with his family, and I hope his wife and children take comfort in knowing that Ephraim isn’t gone – his inspiration and energy lives on with all of us that knew him,” Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted about Mohlakane in a touching tribute.
Some of his achievements include:
1. In 2001 he participated at the Alaska World Games, playing floor hockey.
2. In 2001 he also participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, dubbed Flame of Hope torch run with Nelson Mandela, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
3. In 2002 he was elected as the Sargent Shriver International global messenger for Special Olympics, representing the Africa region.
4. He went on to introduce Nelson Mandela at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, in 2003.
5. In 2005, Ephraim was elected by his fellow athletes to be the chairperson of the Global Athlete Congress during the congress held in Panama City, Panama, and became the voice of the athletes and the organisation globally
6. In 2007 he participated at the Shanghai World Games as an assistant basketball coach.
7. In 2009 he participated at the Idaho World Games as part of the Special Olympics South Africa delegation.
8. Ephraim was a past vice chairperson of the Self Advocacy Movement of South Africa, a project of Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA).
