[imagesource: Twitter / The LeftBacks]
If you grew up spending a decent amount of time at Newlands Cricket Ground, you’ll instantly recognise Moegamat ‘Boeta’ Cassiem.
Just as recognisable were his catchphrases.
A lolly to make you jolly.
A wafer to make your boyfriend styfer.
A sucker to make you wakker.
Then there was the classic ‘keep the change, young man’ and a ‘what a day, what a day’ as he weaved his way between the crowd.
Sadly, news broke yesterday that Cassiem had passed away at the age of 67, having worked at both the cricket and rugby stadiums for more than 55 years.
His son, Mogammad, confirmed the news during an interview with CapeTalk yesterday:
Mogammad says he is at ease knowing that his father is no longer in pain…
“It was sad to see my dad the way he was. Everybody in Cape Town loved him for being a jolly guy, that happy guy.”
“His heart belongs on the field because that is what he was part of.”
You can listen to that interview below:
Tributes soon poured in from around the world, and #BoetaCassiem began trending on Twitter:
Saw a tweet about it earlier yes…the newlands folk have lost an icon!! Could never forget him. What a man, what a character! #BoetaCassiem #lollytomakeyoujolly #suckertomakeyouwakker 🙏
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) September 16, 2021
Very sad news today that the legendary ice cream seller of Newlands #BoetaCassiem has passed away 😢
Cricket at Newlands won’t be the same without this hero!
RIP #BoetaCassiem 💔 pic.twitter.com/6cvhCKJXA9
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) September 16, 2021
Before the start of a warmup T20 match at Newlands, players observed a moment’s silence in his honour:
Six Gun Grill WP and Rocks players paid tribute to Boeta Cassiem before the T20 practice match at Newlands this morning pic.twitter.com/nMrPP22bUA
— WP Blitz (@WP_Blitz) September 16, 2021
According to IOL, Cassiem was born in Kensington and had lived in Mitchells Plain for the past 30 years.
The father of four and grandfather of 12 was celebrated with a ceremony at Newlands back in May, and a permanent plaque unveiled in the Oaks Grass Embankment in his honour.
Thankfully, some of his classic one-liners are preserved in this video, commemorating the occasion.
Rest in peace, Boeta.
