Photo Credit: Lions Cricket / Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has received with sadness and a deep sense of loss, news of the passing of Joseph Pamensky who died on Wednesday aged 92.
Born in then Port Elizabeth, now called Gqeberha, Pamensky was a cricket loving chartered accountant and businessman. He was rated amongst one of cricket’s finest administrators.
Close involvement with cricket, concern for young people, honesty in all dealings, unfailing courtesy, and total professionalism; these are qualities that were embedded in Pamensky’s culture.
Working alongside Dr Ali Bacher, Pamensky kept the game of cricket alive during the dark days of apartheid and pushed to integrate the game within black communities. He also oversaw the move to multi-racial cricket and, in doing so was involved in the rebel tours of the 1980s and, eventually, South Africa’s readmission to the world game a few years later.
Paying tribute to the Pamensky, CSA Chief Executive Officer said:
“Joseph Pamensky and his forebearers laid the foundation for what is now a non-racial and non-sexist cricket dispensation that we are enjoying today. He is a warm and affectionate portrait of the sacrifices made to get us to appreciate the game of cricket as a unifier and nation-builder.
“He was conferred the honorary life membership of Cricket South Africa in recognition of his stellar work in bringing unity to disparate cricket formations to form a united CSA, deeply entrenched in the conviction to make cricket accessible to all.
“We are indebted to this son of the soil for laying the foundation for clean governance and administration, a guiding charter that CSA has embodied.
“Pamensky may have departed these shores, yet his tutelage on leadership will precede his legacy for years to come. CSA and indeed the entire cricketing fraternity have lost a titan upon whose footprints we will tread. May his Soul Rest in Peace.”
CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo added:
“A superb organizer, Pamensky has dedicated the better part of his life in service to the game of cricket. He has selflessly contributed his skills, acumen, and trade to bear on the game that he was so passionate about. It is these attributes that gained him respect and acclaim both nationally and internationally.
“On behalf of the CSA Board, I send condolences to Pamensky’s family on the sad passing of this giant of the game. I equally thank them for gifting cricket with the person of Pamensky’s calibre who served the game with enthusiasm, devotion, and commitment.
“The curtain may have fallen on Pamensky, yet his pioneering impact will linger into posterity. I equally send condolences to the many people who came across Pamensky during their lives and who were touched by his generosity of spirit.
“Rest in peace Uncle Joe. You will be sadly missed.”
