Former South Coaster Mike Sebanz (52) died yesterday in Thembisa Hospital, Johannesburg from injuries sustained in an armed robbery at Kempton Park Golf Club during the early hours of Wednesday morning. Mike, who worked as the club professional, was shot in the stomach and later succumbed to the injuries.
ALSO READ: Police search for fourth suspect in Ezinqoleni murder
He and a colleague had been asleep in the clubhouse when the thieves broke in. They had stayed there during lockdown in order to maintain the club facilities and conditioning of the course during the lockdown. Ironically, golf is now open, as of today.
Mike grew up in Ulco in the Northern Cape, attended Kimberley Boys High School and then went on to complete his tertiary studies at Stellenbosch University. He lived on the South Coast as a young man for a short time, around the late ’80s and early ’90s, but made a big impression. He worked for Seamus Rennie Airconditioning, where he met his boss Malcolm’s daughter, Carla and they were soon married.
A very popular person, he was friendly, outgoing and always showed interest in what others were doing. Many in the golf industry described him as a humble man and a true asset to the golf industry. Gavin Homan, president of the Ekurhuleni Golf Association, said Mike was very well liked and a fantastic guy to be around.
In terms of sport, Mike was very good at most of them, but especially cricket, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting batsman who could clear the boundary with ease.
While on the coast Mike also played rugby, mostly at fullback, for what was known as the Port Shepstone Rugby Club back then, now South Coast Warriors.
In later years, despite his main focus being golf at Kempton Park, he was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed action cricket. He lived in the Cape for a time before moving to Johannesburg. However, the family returned to the coast quite often, enjoying holidays at Pumula Beach Hotel.
Mike is survived by Carla and their children, daughter Caitlin, who has been working on the ships and is currently in Israel, and son Liam, who just last week was admitted as an attorney of the High Court.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
