Special service for uMhlathuze City servant

THERE were two distinct elements to the memorial service for municipal stalwart and boxing icon Freddie Rafferty Horn as colleagues paid tribute at the Bay Hall on Thursday afternoon.

Those who knew him latterly, during his years with the City of uMhlathuze Traffic Department, heaped praise on a co-worker respected at all levels of the administration as well as by the public.

Others shared their insights on a superb sportsman in every sense of the word, whose name is enshrined in professional boxing lore.

‘We as Black people grew up idolising Freddie Rafferty in the 1980’s, which is amazing given the political situation,’ said Cllr Mdu Zikhali, representing the mayor and council.

‘There is no colour in sports, and we loved the likes of Freddie and Gerrie Coetzee. We cried when Brian Baronet died in the ring.

‘We watched all Freddie’s bouts on TV and shouted for him as he ‘moered’ his opponents – not out of hatred but out of passion.

‘His big fights such as his defeat of world champion Piet Crous made him a legend.

‘And he did it during the days when there was no money in boxing. Today, there is too much money and too little talent. He did it for the love of the sport.

‘What a pity his skills were not transferred properly; we could have had many more SA champs.’

These sentiments were echoed by former champion, now boxing promoter, Mondli Mbuyazi.

Officially representing Boxing South Africa, he told how Freddie had encouraged him when he turned professional at age 16 in 1995.

‘Even though I fought a draw against his boy, he came straight to me and told me I had the talent to go all the way.

‘When I fought for the world title in Germany and was robbed by the decision, he again encouraged me to persevere and told me I had what it takes.

‘SA boxing has lost a champion and a legend,’ said Mbuyazi.

Chief Traffic Officer Mbongiseni Ndlovu was another who, as a teen living in Pongola, idolised Freddie– and then went on to become his Department head.

‘He was so trustworthy, humble and efficient – the epitome of by-law enforcement.

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‘We became firm friends and I loved his spirit. He even carried mealies around for stray chickens he might encounter!

‘I spoke with him a few hours before his passing and he said he would see me again the next day.

‘There is now a serious void in our lives.’

Similar acclaim was voiced by City Manager: Public Safety & Security, Zolile Poswa.

‘A beautiful brother and colleague was lent to us by his family and it was a blessing being with such a personality.

‘As a child, I also watched him boxing, with awe. So many accolades, but so humble.

‘You could not resist forming a relationship with him after hours.

‘He knew no colour or creed, and was living proof that the concept of a Rainbow Nation is possible,’ said Poswa.

Those who spoke of Freddie in the work environment were unanimous about his humility and dedication.

Many had been unaware of his elevated status as one of the country’s top boxers, as he never boasted of his achievements.

Each colleague had a special tribute to pay.

‘Besides his work, he was an incredible family man,’ said Traffic Officer Dirk Oelofse.

‘You never saw Freddie without his wife Jackie. They were inseparable, like permanent newly-weds.’

Speaking on behalf of the Superintendents, Johan Plaatjies agreed, saying they called the couple a ‘horse and trailer’.

He said Freddie had made him feel at home when he transferred from the Cape.

‘He taught me the culture of Richards Bay, and how to build community relations.

‘And when you were with Freddie, you always laughed.’

The memorial service concluded with a strong spiritual message from City colleague and CPF Chairman, Robert Mbuyazi, who urged mourners to cling to the hope of meeting loved ones in the hereafter.

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