Veteran South African cricket administrator Joseph Pamensky has died aged 92 on Wednesday.
Born in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) on July 21, 1930, Pamensky, fondly called “Uncle Joe”, notably served as president of the South African Cricket Union until 1991. He led the board during tumultuous times in the 1970s when the game’s authorities in the country sought to unite cricket. He was also a key figure in the controversial era of the “rebel tours” to the country.
“Those in cricket will know the magnitude of this loss and how sorely Joe will be missed,” Lions Cricket president Anne Vilas said. “He was a leader, a friend, a catalyst, a risk-taker, a kind and intelligent man who always acted in the best interests of the game and the people who serve it. On behalf of all those at Lions Cricket, our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family during this extremely difficult time, and we thank you too for lending us this man who was larger than life in so many ways.”
Pamensky was elected to the South African Cricket Association in 1967 after serving as the president of the Transvaal cricket union board, and was one of the main drivers of the negotiations which led to the formation of the South African Cricket Union (SACU) in 1976. He served as president of SACU on a rotational two-year basis along with Geoff Dakin. He was also awarded life membership by the MCC for his decades of service to the game. Pamensky received the Order of Meritorious Service gold medal by the South African government in 1987.
“Uncle Joe was an inspiration to many – I would have cherished to work under his guidance, leadership, grit and passion,” Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright said. “The entire cricketing eco-system gives thanks to this well-liked man for we would not be where we are today without the determination, professionalism, and love of cricket he always gave. On behalf of the Lions Cricket Board and our entire Pride, we thank you Uncle Joe and promise to keep flying the flag high for brand cricket in our country – may you Rest in Peace and always know what a blessing you were to our lives. Your legacy will live on forever.”