A well-known Bloemfontein’s community builder and social activist Theophilus Clive Solomon has passed away.
He died on Saturday morning in a hospital in Bloemfontein at the age of 78 after he was admitted earlier the week with heart complications.
Tributes from various sectors of the society are pouring for one of the prides and joy of the Heidedal community.
A soft-spoken character Solomon entwined both community politics and sport politics. He was duly recognised on both fronts. Born and bred in Bloemfontein, this stalwart is well-known as Oom Clive and was respected in various circles.
He got recognition for his involvement in life-changing community developments and served in various influential positions in the administration of sport and community organisations. He was able to strike a balance in both fields although his involvement appeared to have happened by default. Football influenced his life more than other activities.
Solomon’s involvement dated back from the era of struggle for non-racial sport in South Africa, famed with the slogan “no normal sport in an abnormal society”. It proved to be a powerful antidote to the apartheid government’s assurance that “all was well”.
Testimony of Solomon’s role was recognition by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in 2007. He was awarded the Caf 50 Years Golden Jubilee Award, rewarding his immense contribution to the development of football. Recognition by his immediate community of Heidedal, came in the naming of the stadium after him. The facility is known as the Clive Solomon Stadium, which hosted historic professional and non-professional football competitions. The stadium was once home for now defunct elite club, Bloemfontein Celtic.
Solomon was awarded the Bloemfonteiner of the Year accolades, acknowledging his work serving the community. Oom Clive credited Norman Double for his influence to become a community activist.
