Ex-Randpark Club Captain and rugby star Johan Walters passes away

It is with sadness that the club has learnt that Johan Walters, one of Randpark’s long-time members and Club Captain who made his mark at a high level both in rugby and golf, passed away.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Born in 1946 Walters, a hugely gifted centre, was a tower of strength in the backline for Western Province in his day. He was a tear-away, try-scorer of note, described as a “team legend”. He played against the All Blacks with distinction for WP in 1970 and also represented Southern Universities against the New Zealanders.

It was said at the time that he was unlucky not to be selected for the Springboks and in fact there was a good chance he would have made the Test side a couple of years later had he not been injured.

“When he moved to the Transvaal his connection with rugby switched to administration and he enjoyed a spell as manager of the Transvaal Rugby Union. Golf-wise, he joined Randpark and became a long-time member, serving many years on the committee and was Club Captain in 1996 and 1997,” says club stalwart Schalk Naude who – as is well known – also made his name in rugby before now doing the business in golf as well.

“I got to know Johan well. We went on a lot of Lowveld Golf Tours together and not only was he a classy person and a good friend who, incidentally, dressed to perfection, but he also played some pretty good golf and got down to about a two-handicap.

“He left Randpark when his life took a turn during Covid and he moved to Malelane to stay with family and he spent his last years there. So goodbye to Johan, and I remember him with much fondness and respect,” says Schalk.