Final respects for Junior Ramusi

POLOKWANE -Ramusi was born at Dube village in Soweto on July 19, 1959 and was the second-born son of the late Molapatene Collins and Mary Jane Ramusi. He began his educational journey, both in pre and primary school at Morris Isaacson Primary School in Soweto and furthered his secondary education at Kgarahara and Phiri Kolobe high schools.

He obtained his first qualification at the Setotolwane College of Education and later supplemented it with a BA degree in English and literary studies at the then University of the North.

Ramusi started working for Limpopo Government in 1994 as a spokesperson for the then Premier Adv Ngoako Ramathlodi. He joined the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as a public relations officer in 1997. Ramusi developed a love for sport at a very young age in Soweto playing soccer for Dube Wanderers, a team that has produced legends such as Percy ‘Chippa’ Moloi and Elias ‘Pro’ Khumalo. He played for Moroka Swallows, Seshego Saints and was also head hunted by big teams such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Black Aces but never signed with any of the teams because of his love for education.

He also worked for Mahwelereng-based team Real Rovers Football Club as an administrator where he nurtured and developed players such as Gerald Raphahlela. He was a freedom fighter and dedicated member of the African National Congress (ANC) stemming from his family background and influence, he was part of the team that fought for development at Phiri Kolobe High School, which led to his arrest and expulsion. Since then he used his education and stakeholder relations as an organiser and mobiliser of note. As a staunch ANC member, he played his part and always encouraged his family to actively participate in politics for self-empowerment and community development.

Before his untimely death Ramusi was a director of sport development of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Thandi Moraka described Ramusi as a legend in all formats of sport, from his playing days to sports development and administration in sport. “This is sad for sport fraternity in Limpopo and the rest of the country. Junior made a huge contribution in the sports fraternity and contributed a lot by helping to nurture and develop young and upcoming sport athletes from the rural communities. His contribution and guidance in the sport sector will surely be missed and we were still looking forward to working with him,” Moraka said.

Regional spokesperson for ANC Peter Mokaba Region, Mathole Machaka said Ramusi dedicated his entire life to the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. “His dedication to the struggle is precisely what earned him election into various positions of leadership within structures of the ANC.”

Ramusi was married to Paulina Ntebo, whom he met in 1979. They later formalised their union and were blessed with three children. His union with her lasted until his passing. He also leaves behind his first-born son Letimola and daughters Mary-Jane and Thalitha. He is survived by his younger brother Mothibi, sister-in-law Maureen as well as the Mashilo and Morare families, the Babirwa Clan, nephews and nieces.