Former South African Football Association leader Solomon ”Stix” Morewa died in his sleep at his Fourways home, north of Johannesburg, in the early hours of Sunday, his family said.
Before his death, Morewa (61) had been suffering from complications related to diabetes. At the time of his death, Morewa was an outpatient at home.
Morewa is survived by his wife Rebecca, his two children — Bobby and Mido, three grandchildren — Palesa, Ashley and Binky, and his sister Angeline.
”Details of the memorial service and funeral will be announced early in the week,” the family said in a statement.
The ANC said it was deeply saddened to hear of Morewa’s death.
”A giant of South African soccer, Morewa will be remembered for his leading role in unifying and promoting the game,” the ANC said in a statement.
”Morewa will also be remembered as one of the chief architects of South Africa’s bid to host the Fifa World Cup. As preparations the 2010 World Cup gather pace, we have a common responsibility to honour the efforts of Sticks Morewa by ensuring that the event lives up to his vision.
”Morewa was a deeply committed South African, who contributed much to the development of sport as a force for reconciliation and reconstruction,” it said.
The ANC extended its condolences to Morewa’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture on behalf of the provincial government extended its condolences to the Morewa family.
”We salute him for his contribution to sport and indeed his contribution to freedom and democracy in our country” said Gauteng MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Barbara Creecy in a statement. – Sapa