Cape Town - Capetonians shared their fondest memories of one of Newlands cricket stadium’s favourite sons, Moegamat “Boeta” Cassiem after his death on Thursday.
Boeta Cassiem sold ice-cream at Newlands for more than 55 years, right up until he was diagnosed with renal failure.
His little one-liners – such as “a sucker to make you wakker” and “a lolly to make you jolly” – made him a firm favourite with cricket fans and players alike.
The Western Province Cricket Association on Thursday paid tribute to Cassiem and chief executive Michael Canterbury led the tributes: “Boeta Cassiem’s memory will forever be etched into the history of this famous ground. His infectious personality resonated with locals as well as international supporters and his passing will leave a huge hole in the overall match-day experience. Our sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time.”
WPCA president Ashraf Burns: “Thank you, Boeta Cassiem, for all the special memories. You brought the heart to Newlands and we will forever remember you for your contribution. You will be dearly missed. May the Almighty grant him a high stage in Paradise and grant contentment to his family and friends.”
He was laid to rest on Thursday in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.
Many Capetonians also took to social media and were eager to share their favourites memories and experiences of Boeta Cassiem.
“A sucker to make you wakker. A lolly to make you jolly. A wafer to make your boyfriend styfer.”
— Carryn-Ann Nel (@carrynann) September 16, 2021
Thank you for the memories.
RIP Boeta Cassiem pic.twitter.com/GdwzSPP4fl
RIP this legend Boeta Cassiem.
— Lester Kiewit (@lesterkk) September 16, 2021
"Keep the change young man" pic.twitter.com/VItPqGDNHI
I use his famous one-liners with my daughter all the time. Boeta Cassiem was a Cape Town treasure, an institution. Very sorry to hear this. https://t.co/ozZKKTZR4O
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) September 16, 2021
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
I’ve been going to @NewlandsCricket since I was 8 & every memory has the infectious personality & voice of Boeta Cassiem. Great man & the greatest salesman I ever met. RIP pic.twitter.com/qo4JDkkYrg
— Martin MacGregor (@MartMacG) September 16, 2021
Been to Newlands Cricket Ground probably over a hundred times in the last 30 years. Don’t think a day of those passed when Boeta Cassiem did not add to the festivities of the occasion.
— Runningflyhalf (@Runningflyhalf) September 16, 2021
A true legend of Newlands. May his name be recognised with a statue/stand one day. RIP. https://t.co/EEbJVo64I3
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 😢
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) September 16, 2021
Cricket at Newlands won't be the same without this hero!
RIP #BoetaCassiem 💔 pic.twitter.com/6cvhCKJXA9