Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) and South Western Districts Cricket (SWD) have received with great the sadness, news of the passing of Simon Swigelaar, who passed away on February, 2nd 2024 aged 91.
Swigelaar was one of the three Honorary Life Members of Cricket South Africa at the time of his passing. He leaves behind an impressive cricket legacy, spanning over 50 years as a player, umpire, administrator, and selector.
Throughout his career, Swigelaar received numerous accolades, including the Khaya Majola Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring contribution to the advancement of South African cricket.
His impact extended beyond the cricket field, as evidenced by the 2003 Lifetime Achievers Award from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the unification process of sporting bodies in South Africa in 1990, earning him a Legend Award from the Western Cape MEC for Sport & Recreation in 2007.
CSA President, Rihan Richards said: “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Simon Swigelaar. His remarkable contributions to cricket as a player, umpire, and administrator have left an indelible mark on the sport.
“He served the game diligently for close to 75 years in various capacities, both pre- and post-unity. We mourn the loss of a true cricketing legend and extend our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time.”
Former SWD Cricket President, Rudy Claassen, who served for almost twenty years with Swigelaar on SWD Cricket governance structures said;
“His leadership left an enduring legacy on and off the field and made him a true ambassador of the game of cricket. As a young cricket administrator at Union Stars Cricket Club he encouraged me to make myself available for a leadership position at higher level and for that I am forever indebted to him”.
“May his legacy continue to inspire other players and administrators to serve the game we all love so much,” Claassen concluded.
In his tribute, SWD Cricket President, Micheal Eksteen paid tribute to the Swigelaar family on behalf of the SWD Cricket fraternity.
“A big tree has fallen, and his role in SWD Cricket for more than 50 years will forever be respected and honoured. On behalf of the Board of Directors, clubs, office staff and cricket family, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his bereaved family.
Albertus Kennedy, the Chief Executive Officer of SWD Cricket, applauded Swigelaar for his mentorship and principal role in the rise of SWD Cricket over the past two decades;
“As a principled old-school administrator with years of wisdom, knowledge, devotion and care he was an integral part in writing the script in the history of SWD Cricket. He served South African and SWD Cricket with pride and rightfully deserved all the accolades and a special place in our cricket Annales”.
