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Ballet icon Dr. Johaar Mosaval died at Groote Schuur Hospital earlier today, aged 95.
In a statement, Sharon Paulsen, his liaison officer, said Mosaval sustained an injury three months ago.
“Subsequently, he was admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital on Thursday 22 June, where a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in his spine was established. During his two-week hospital stay, he underwent treatment and focused on recuperation,” reads the statement.
She explains that he was later discharged. However, his health deteriorated on Thursday 3 August and was readmitted to hospital.
“He passed away in the early hours of Wednesday 16th August. May his soul rest in peace,” reads the statement.
At the age of 19, Mosaval was given the chance to start ballet training at the University of Cape Town Ballet School by Dulcie Howes.
Mosaval’s exceptional talent led him to be the first black South African to become a senior principal dancer at The Royal Ballet based in London.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said: “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 recognized 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.”
Mosaval is survived by his two younger sisters.
He will be laid to rest according to Muslim rites today (16 August).
