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THE PASSING OF A LEGEND
MN MOERAT (1924 - 2009)
The South Peninsula High School community witnessed the passing of an era on Saturday 19 December 2009 with the death of former principal Mogamat Noor Moerat. One of the first teachers to be appointed (in 1953) after the school had moved to its present site from Southfield (see History), Mr Moerat became the fourth principal, succeeding Mr F Hendricks, Mr AG de Villiers and Mr RC Hepburn in 1976.
Mr Moerat’s tenure coincided with the increase in student political activity, with the landmark Soweto uprising in June 1976, which had ripple effects throughout the country, and the school boycotts in 1980, with rumblings into the mid-80s. Educational leadership needed to be coupled with political wisdom and guidance, and Mr Moerat proved himself to be more than capable in both areas. In his understated manner, he provided clarity of vision in these turbulent times.
At the farewell to Mr Moerat upon his retirement 1984, the following attributes were ascribed to him: he was firm but fair, approachable, tireless, humble, a true educator and one who took responsibility for his actions. In so many ways, he was a father to students and colleagues alike. After his retirement, he continued to have very close ties to the school, including stepping in to teach on one or two occasions when a short term substitute was required, visiting the school from time to time, and addressing various audiences at school functions. The final function at which he graced us with his presence was the Awards evening of the 2009 Matrics in October.
As the news of Mr Moerat’s death reached the ears of the worldwide SP family, tributes poured in as ex-students paid their last respects. Below are some of them (edited where necessary).
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On Saturday 23 January SP students from the 1950s until the present, as well as members of staff past and present, attended the memorial gathering to pay their last respects to Mr Moerat. The gathering was treated to anecdotes, many of them hitherto unknown, about the life of Mr Moerat, from his days as a student himself, to his teaching career in Port Elizabeth, his time as a teacher at SP, to his principalship and beyond. Mr Isaacs was the Master of Ceremonies and the speakers were (Matric years in brackets) (names in bold are of those who appear in the photos below) Mr Lionel Adriaan (student of Mr Moerat’s at Paterson High in Port Elizabeth), Mr James Dreyer (1958), Mr Johan Arries (teacher from 1966 - 1982), Professor George Fredericks (1963), Professor Marion Jacobs (1965), Mr Derek Hanslo (1968), Mr WB King (teacher from 1967 - 1976), Ms Nohra Moerat, daughter of Mr Moerat (1972), Mr Dehran Swart, nephew of Mr Moerat (1979), Mrs Anthea (Cairns) Metcalf (1981), Mr Zeid Baker, Deputy Principal (1982), Mr Julian Stubbs, Chairman of SPHS Alumni Association (1986), Mr Bradley Niekerk, Chairman of SP Governing Body and PTSA (1987), Dominic Brown (2008), Fayyaadh Bassier (2010), Ms Michelle le Roux, daughter of Mr Moerat’s younger daughter, Abedah, and Mr Achmat Abrahams (1962), who is currently writing a biography of Mr Moerat. Mr Abrahams has invited anyone who has interesting anecdotes to let him know so that they can be included in the book. Interested persons can phone the school. There were various musical items rendered, by teachers Ms Tamsyn Hendricks and Avril Smith, who sang the school song, the SP choir, Mr Reginald Dreyer (also an ex-student and current music teacher and choirmaster), the SP jazz band and other students of the SP music department.
In her address, Nohra Moerat appealed to the gathering to support the work of the Aadil Moerat Bursary Fund, indicating that it was her father’s wish that donations be made in his honour.
Photos below taken by Dr Francois Cleophas.
            
Tributes
Mr Moerat was a dedicated and warm teacher and mentor. In the prime of his life education was truly in peril, but he managed to shine a bright light during a dark period. His efforts have contributed to the achievements of many, and he fostered, by example, a deep sense of commitment to the greater good of South Africans. May he rest in peace.
Mavis (May) Hermanus (1977)
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Unfortunately I shall be in New York on the day of the memorial but my thoughts will be with you all. As you know my father and Mr Moerat were mates since their days at Paarl, UCT, teaching together and finally as a team at South Peninsula High. They were indeed great mates. I will always remember Mogamat Noor Moerat with fondness as a family friend and also with respect as my teacher.
Myrna Hepburn (1971)
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Sad news indeed. We have some very good memories. I have entered to run the Red Hill marathon that morning, so regrettably won't make the memorial at the school. I will, though, run my race in memory of Mr Moerat and also use the occasion to recall some of our many wonderful and fun days at SP.. Hopefully this will inspire me through the long kilometres!
Roger Arendse (1971 - 1975)
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Our condolences to the Moerat family and extended family. Mr. Moerat always showed me patience and respect. I will be at the memorial, in spirit. My world is enriched by all the great teachers who have deemed me worthy of their time. Thank you, Mr.Moerat. May the Great Spirit embrace you.
Michael Clothier. (1975)
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To an Icon
Someone who has not only educated me but has taught me lifelong lessons especially during those turbulent years in the early eighties and who has left me with great memories which make me proud to be affiliated with the school.
Thank you for leaving a legacy which we will cherish.
Rest in peace, Mr Moerat
Gilroy Johnson (1978-1982)
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He was integral to the culture of SP and to all of us who had the privilege of his mentorship through education & the life of South Peninsula. Mr Moerat, like many of the educators at South Peninsula, contributed immensely to the fabric of our being and adulthood in profound ways. His firm but fair manner guided our thinking and most of all our respect for our fellow brethren and the world out there. Mr Moerat instilled pride in all of us as students at this great place of learning - South Peninsula.
I attribute much of my ethos to the time of learning and living at South Peninsula. Mr Moerat, thank you for all your teachings (life) and contributions to making a difference to many lives and to the community of Cape Town. This was significant at a time where South Africa's racist "Apartheid" regime impacted & challenged all of our lives on a daily basis.
With much Respect & Admiration.
Sincerely
Craig Knowles- Class of '82
Toronto, Canada
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What a sad day. He was my biology teacher.
Nicholette Frank - Mom of Angus, Dylan and Gino (all ex-students)
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So sorry to hear about Noor Moerat. SP can be pround of his legacy and sustained interest in the school.
Milton van Wyk (former educator)
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Still remember the first time we met during my high school interview though, he did leave an indelible impression. All the best to his family and friends, may they be granted peace in the knowledge that he lived a full life, dedicating his time to the upliftment of others.
Zahier Dalvie (Matric 1988)
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My condolences to the Moerat family. We've lost a man that was an inspiration to many and had a great influence in the community. Pleasure knowing you.
R.I.P
SueAnn Heldsinger (Arendse) (1978 - 1980)
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May Allah grant Mr Moerat a high place in jannah Insha Allah.and give his family the strength they need to get through this period, especially his wife.... and may everyone continue carrying out the good work that Mr Moerat had contributed to SP.
Mogamat Nackerdien
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Condolences to the family. I can still remember the school athletics team going around to Mr Moerat’s house after sports and we sang the school song. The best times.
Lesley-Ann de Wet (Pretorius)
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RIP Mr .Moerat - you will be missed by those who knew you, those who didn’t and those who will come to know of you.
Dionne de Stadler
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Sad news, definitely a legend, one of the people I will never forget - condolences to the Moerat family.
Carmen Adams
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My deepest sympathy to the Moerat family. Mr Moerat was a role model and an inspiration to all students and a great man. RIP.
Blanche (Seale) Herbert
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RIP, Mr Moerat. It was a pleasure having known him.
Margot Lesch (The Lesch family in Canada)
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My sincerest condolences to the Moerat family.
Taufiq Palmer
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RIP Mr Moerat. Thank you for all that you have done for all students who have passed and will pass through the doors of SP.
Kerry Oakes
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It was a great pleasure to be taught by him - a wise man
Adnaan Lowe
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Rest in Peace, Mr Moerat. You will be missed
Eben Viljoen
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It was indeed sad to have lost a person of such calibre, Boeta Noor Moerat. He was a father & an inspiration to all who knew him. He always motivated one to do better. He was an exemplary leader & teacher at Al-JAAMIA & SPHS. May Allah put sabr in the hearts of his family & grant him Nur In kubur & a high place In Janah, InshALLAH.
Faadiyah Myburgh
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Very sad to hear - he was a legend at SP. Got my fair share of punishment from him.
Coleen Cable Parenzee
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Just found the site and read the sad news of Mr Moerat’s passing on. May he rest in peace, a true inspiration to all. I will never forget his canings.
Russell Bretteny
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From God we all come and to God shall we all return. A phenomenal man...
Fairuz Gaibie
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To Mr Moerat, thank you for accepting me at SP. Bless you and your family.
Roland Pietersen
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I'm saddened by that news.
Kyle Marc Muller
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It is indeed very sad news! I still remember him addressing us at orientation in grade 8 and him congratulating me when we got our results last year.
Allyson Adams
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My condolences to friends and family. May you rest in peace, Mr Moerat!
Amy Sampson
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Our heartfelt condolences to the Moerat family on the passing of former principal, Mr MN Moerat on Saturday, 19/12/2009. Although he retired 25 years ago, he still remained very involved in the success of South Peninsula. His influence will continue to be felt at the school and his memory will live on in the school traditions and in the hearts of those he has touched over the years.
The SP Alumni was the dreamchild of Mr Moerat and we will continue to honour his memory by keeping this dream alive
Julian Stubbs (SP Alumni Association)
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This is a sad day. R I P
Ruth Francis
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Sad news ... what a great principal he was. Dear Mr Moerat, a stalwart of the "old school" who contributed in many ways to the character of SP...its values...I remember him as man who was always strict but fair and always willing to listen to the students' point of view. My condolences to his wife and family. He will be greatly missed.
Adele (Cable) Siljeur
My deepest sympathies to the Moerat family and to SP. Mr Moerat was certainly a gentleman and ensured that the school ran like clockwork while I was there. I didn’t have much interaction with him as a student but he still knew who I was when I visited him on one occasion. May his soul rest in everlasting peace.
Jaywant Parbhoo (class of 1979)
Sad to hear!
Carol Edson (Matric 1975)
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My deepest sympathy to the entire Moerat family on the passing of a great man. Mr Moerat was (as I realised later in my own career as a teacher) what a teacher should be. He was a proponent of the rights of children long before it became imbedded in our country’s constitution. Mr Moerat did not rely only on the cane or a bossy and arrogant attitude to gain the respect of his charges. Mr Moerat gained our respect by his fatherly and caring manner. What he wanted for his own children he wanted us to have no matter our backgrounds. He knew each one of us. He knew our weaknesses and also our strengths. He always focused on the latter. He knew we were still children. He was never scared to stand up for any learner if in his opinion the learner was being treated unfairly by a member of his staff. Thank you, Mr Moerat.
Mr Moerat was the biology teacher of 10c (12c) during 1977. He taught us much more than Biology. He taught us valuable lessons of how to be useful citizens and that being educated was not enough. It is what we do with that education that will ultimately determine our successes or failures. Mr Moerat never spoke down to us or brushed us aside. He encouraged healthy debate. He did not demand our respect, he earned it.
My first post was at Zeekoeivlei High School. Mr. Hepburn was then the principal. Mr Moerat one day came to visit Mr Hepburn and was brought to my class. He wished me well in my teaching career and reminded me that I was serving the community and that the learners always come first. His visit meant a lot to me.
Thank you, Mr Moerat, for the contribution you made to my life and in the lives of the many learners that went through your hands. Thank you for the legacy you had left behind at SPHS from which my children (Renée and Lloyd) could also benefit. Rest in peace.
John Stuurman (10c, 1977)
(Updated 31 January 2010)
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