Tributes are pouring in for Cape Town legend of dance Johaar Mosaval, following his death at the age of 95.

Johaar was born in District Six and faced great opposition under the apartheid system when he started dancing in the 1940s.

Sadly he was not given the opportunity to perform to his potential in South Africa due to the restrictions on access to theatres and stages.

In 1950, two visiting dancers spotted his talent and assisted him to get a scholarship to attend Sadler’s Wells Ballet School in London. He would go on to join the Royal Ballet School and within another year he graduated into the Royal Ballet Company.

In 1956 Johaar was promoted to soloist and performed his first solo for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Covent Garden. She was joined in the audience by an array of royalty from across the world as well as many others world leaders.

Johaar’s ballet career continued for another 25 years as a principal dancer and he returned to South Africa in 1976. He opened his own ballet school in 1977 but it was shut down by the regime of the day.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural 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.”

Marais has sent her condolences to Johaar’s family, friends and all those who knew him.

”He was a true legend of our country and his memory will long live on.”

The Artscape’s Marlene Le Roux said the Artscape is saddened by the news that they have lost ”one of their own.”

In March 2023, the Artscape hosted ‘The Johaar Mosaval Story.’ It was encapsulated in ‘Dreaming Dance in District 6.’

What made this production even more meaningful was that he narrated his own story on stage.

”A son of District 6 who defied all the odds during the Apartheid era to become the world’s top ballerina who danced for the British Royal family. His message of hope, self belief, perseverance, hard word, 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.”