COUNTRY MOURNS JOOST’S DEATH
THE family of Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen were with him when he succumbed to Motor Neuron Disease (MND) at the age of 45. “He passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones. “The family remain strong under the circumstances‚ however, they are devastated at the loss‚” the J9 Foundation’s Claire Kaye-Grobler said in a statement yesterday. Van der Westhuizen is survived by his two children [Jordan and Kylie] with his estranged wife Amor Vittone‚ as well as his parents‚ Gustav and Mariana‚ and his two brothers Pieter and Gustav and their families. “This is a great loss to so many around the world, and the family would like to extend their greatest gratitude for the love and support shown over this difficult time‚” the foundation said.
“We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time and funeral arrangements will be notified in due course.” Van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with a form of MND‚ known as Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis, in early 2011.
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula said in a statement that “South Africa is poorer”.
“The passing of Joost is a sad chapter in South African sporting history‚” Mbalula said.
“His contribution to our national rugby team was immense. He leaves behind a generation of athletes who aspire for his legendary sportsmanship.”
The PAC also paid tribute to Van der Westhuizen‚ describing his death as a “colossal loss” to the nation “if not the entire globe”.
“We are saying to his family that we will be with them during this difficult phase‚ we know that the passing of this ‘Son of the soil’ have deeply wounded your hearts (sic).
“The sports fraternity will never forget the role played by Mr Joost in the fraternity.
“He have broke records (sic) which are memorable not only to us but to his counterparts. We salute him for that‚” the PAC said in a statement. –