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- The iconic South African ballet dancer, Johaar Mosaval, has died at 95.
- Mosaval died on 16 August in the early hours of the morning, according to his family.
- The family states that he died of natural causes.
Legendary South African ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval has died at the age of 95, his family has confirmed.
Mosaval died on Wednesday after being hospitalised last week on Thursday, Fatima Solomon, his niece, told News24. "His condition deteriorated… old age [sic]," Solomon stated.
The family was informed that Mosaval had died just after 5:00 on Wednesday morning.
He died of natural causes and "peacefully in his sleep", according to Suleiman Mosaval, his nephew. He will be laid to rest today per Islamic burial practices.
"He had a good run at 95, so little things cropped up over a short period of time," added Solomon.
Before his hospitalisation, "he was communicating with everybody, he was always happy to see his family and his friends. He became tired towards the end," Solomon said.
While in hospital, he rested most of the time, she added.
His work as a dancer was internationally recognised. Mosaval was the principal dancer with the Royal Ballet of England.
He grew up in District Six and later received a scholarship to attend one of the most revered ballet schools in the world.
In 1956 Mosaval performed his first solo at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. His career as a ballet dancer continued for 25 years, and in 1976, he returned to South Africa. In March 2019, he received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, awarded by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"His legacy tells us of going through hardships. Living under apartheid wasn't easy," said writer Diana Ferrus, who wrote a children's book about Mosaval.
"For somebody to have a dream and pursue that dream through all those challenges and then to excel and become a worldwide ballet dancer."
Ferrus believes that his story must be held onto and continue being told.
"The sad thing for me is I don't think South Africans know the legacy that this man leaves behind."
"I was totally in awe and in reverence of him and his achievements," said Basil Appollis, who co-directed and choreographed the play Dreaming Dance in District Six: The Johaar Mosaval Story.
WATCH | Celebrating the remarkable South African ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval
"As a dancer, he was a perfectionist, but as a person, he was very humble," Appollis said, adding that meeting him was a humbling experience.
Mosaval was always willing to share his stories and had a vivid memory.
What drew Appollis to his story was "His perseverance, his ability to overcome the many difficulties of his life, and I'm not just talking about his race."
"He's quite an inspiration, not just for young dancers, but for all of us. That is why he is truly a South African Icon."
Audiences resonated with Mosaval's story in the play as well, he adds. "There was an overwhelming response."
It was not easy to make the play because Mosaval shared so many stories to use in a 90-minute play.
"I think the biggest stamp of approval I got was from Johaar himself because he loved the play. It made me so happy that he felt that it was the tribute to his life."
"Johaar Mosaval was a story of triumph in a dark time in our country. He was able to access opportunities for him to follow his passion for dance, and he made a huge impact overseas. It is a tragedy and a devastating sign of the cruelty of apartheid that he was not recognised and celebrated in his own country during that time. We honour him as a legend of our country, who paved the way for other dancers," stated the Western Cape Minister of Culture and Sport, Anroux Marais, in a statement.
DA MPP Gillion Bosman said in a statement: "Johaar's legacy radiated as a true inspiration, a beacon of resilience and diversity. The Western Cape Government, in partnership with the District Six Museum, recognized and celebrated his contributions, offering a tribute to his remarkable life earlier this year. Johaar Mosaval's departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt, yet his memory will continue to shine brightly. We are excited about the upcoming projects planned by the District Six Museum to continue documenting his life and ensuring that his contribution to the development of the arts in our province is available for generations to come."
In a statement on Facebook, the Artscape Theatre Centre said: "Artscape is saddened by the news that one of its own has passed away. Johaar Mosaval was our living legend."
The Artscape hosted the play about Mosaval earlier this year.
"His message of hope, self-belief, perseverance, hard work, defying the odds, believing in his abilities and sharing his talent is the legacy he has left behind for future generations. He was a kind, beautiful soul."
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