Sewgolum’s wife leaves ‘her own legacy’
SUMINTHRA Sewgolum, wife of the late legendary golfer Papwa Sewgolum, will be laid to rest today.
She died on Tuesday at her home in Verulam at the age of 94.
Suminthra Sewgolum’s son Rajen said his mom, who was not ill, passed away peacefully.
Rajen said his mom played a major role in encouraging and motivating his father, despite the challenges he faced because of the apartheid system.
Against all the odds, Papwa won tournaments in South Africa and abroad during the days of apartheid.
His Natal Cup achievement in 1965 was a significant win against Gary Player at the Durban Country Club.
His winning the Natal Open in 1963 made international headlines as he received his trophy in the rain while the white golfers looked on from the comfort of the Durban Country Club’s clubhouse.
“Mom shared some of the challenges dad faced which he couldn’t share openly. Even though he had major victories locally and internationally, the system was cruel to dad.
“In her own way, she left her own legacy in terms of the role she played in serving the family and keeping dad motivated to win some of those tournaments. When dad passed on in 1978 at the age of 49, there was no income. She wore the hat of both mother and father. Through all of that she made sure we had a good schooling and made a success of our lives,” said Rajen.
He said his mom was a subservient and humble person who kept out of the limelight.
Selvan Naidoo, his book Out Of The Rough, Papwa, A Player Denied, writes in an extract dedicated to Sewogolum: “This book is dedicated to a wife, a mother and a courageous human being who heroically lived through the pain of seeing her life partner being systematically destroyed
because of the colour of his skin. In telling this story, may the ability to remember, reflect and restore guide us in constantly celebrating the life of Suminthra and Papwa Sewgolum.
“Suminthra played a huge role in Papwa’s success as a golfer and was an exemplary role model having triumphed against all odds. She was a pillar of support to Papwa and their children during their darkest days.”
Sewgolum’s funeral will take place today at the Verulam Daycare Centre.