Local sport legend Maawyah Moerat, also known as the life and soul of junior rugby in Paarl, will forever be remembered for his calm, soft nature behind his passionate impact.
Maawyah died and was buried by Muslim practice on Saturday 8 April. A relative, Junaid Moerat, told Paarl Post the cause of his death was a likely result of heart problems following multiple strokes and hospitalisations over the years.
As to the days in which he otherwise lived life to the fullest, Maawyah’s younger cousin who is also a well known actor, Thaamir Moerat, said he grew up with a sound foundation in rugby thanks to this familial figure whom he lovingly remembers as “Mr Mo”.
“Mr Mo made an impact in my life from a very young age. He was the first guy who got us into rugby, especially in the junior management of Vineyards Rugby Club. He always guided our sporting careers that led to great personal successes,” Thaamir shared with Paarl Post.
One thing that stands out for him, was Maawyah’s palpable calm presence even amid the action packed background of his involvement in sports.
“The Moerats are very well known for their straightforward and, in a good way, aggressive approach – but he was almost like an exception with his soft and endearing nature. Yet still, he also embodied such an amazing alpha role and always rallied everyone in any active endeavour.”
His legacy is entrenched within the character of Drakenstein recreational activities and is said to have been actively involved in special projects that contributed to the growth of community sport. Not only in his personal life, but also professionally during his service to local government.
According to the former principal of William Lloyd Primary School, Pieter Lourens’, Facebook tribute, Maawyah was an excellent sportsperson and former rugby player at Noorder Paarl High.
“He further excelled as a rugby player while studying at the Athlone Education College in Paarl. He of course also played rugby for Vineyards RFC as did all the Moerat’s. He represented Vinyards and Paarl under the banner of SARU in the Paarl Rugby Union Regional Team affiliated to the Boland Rugby Union. Maawyah was part of the committee that interceded for the establishment of the United School Sport Association of South Africa (USASSA) in the Boland.
“[Within local government] he once again provided excellent service in creating opportunities in sports and culture outside of school for children from the disadvantaged communities. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Paarl Sports Forum.”
Maawyah will leave a notable absence next to the field, Thaamir said.
“He was the one who would be there, next to the field, on every Saturday… ready to rally and show his unwavering support.”
An outpouring of condolences was posted on Maawyah’s Facebook page when the news of his passing spread like a wildfire.
Other tributes on Facebook held similar sentiments, just like this: “Mr Mo you will be missed by so many. Your big heart encompassed everyone.”
Another posted: “He was an inspirational teacher and high impact colleague. He was passionate about the healing power of sport. He experienced the negative impact of racial discrimination during Apartheid and was driven to encourage all young people to overcome any barriers to reach their potential. Sport was his weapon and his passion.”
Before Thaamir recently travelled to Germany, he said he was lucky enough to see Maawyah one last time: “It’s a bit shocking now, after his passing, how remarkably calm and content he was the last time we spoke. He actually talked a lot about life, what he deemed important, and how precious it all is.”
Maawyah is outlived by three sons and two daughters.
