Statement on Brandon Foot’s passing

The MultiChoice Group and SuperSport wish to convey their sincere condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues and friends of Brandon Foot following his peaceful passing after an illness.

Foot was one of the most respected and venerated legal brains in South Africa and worked extensively in the broadcast media industry, as well as the fields of sports and commercial law.

He served as Group General Counsel at the MultiChoice Group and held prominent roles at SuperSport, where he was both CEO and Chief Operations Officer.

He excelled as a cricketer during his younger days before playing a pivotal role in the unity of cricket, which was achieved in 1992.

Brandon served as the Northerns Cricket Union President between 2000 and 2005, as well as a director on both the Titans and Cricket South Africa boards. On the rugby front, he was also a former director of The Sharks. 

Said MultiChoice Group Chairman Imtiaz Patel: “Brandon Foot’s legacy will last many, many generations. He was immensely passionate about South African sport … deeply passionate. He made an immense difference, lived for other people and was loyal to the core.”

“Brandon was a man who was remarkable in many respects and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with his family. MultiChoice as a group is at a loss and we believe that the sporting fraternity is at a loss. May his soul rest in peace.” 

Foot spent 21 years at Solomon and Nicolson Attorneys (later Solomon Nicolson Rein and Verster Attorneys) following the completion of his BLC and LLB degrees. 

Aside from his renown within the legal and sports industries, Brandon will be remembered a sports lover and an ardent Liverpool FC fan. He played cricket for Pretoria High School, the University of Pretoria (TUKS) and Harlequins. He also went on to become a chairman of Harlequins. 

MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela said: “Today is one of the saddest days in the history of this business. We’ve lost one of our own in Brandon Foot. Brandon lived this business day in, day out, and always made sure he put the interests of the business at heart.

“We’ve always relied on him on many aspects, from legal to day-to-day operations of this business. It’s sad that today we announce his passing. To the family of Brandon, our sincere condolences from the MultiChoice Group.” 

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha added: “The MultiChoice Group, SuperSport and the entire sports industry have suffered an immeasurable loss following Brandon Foot’s passing. But more than that, his family and friends will sorely miss him. 

“He was a dedicated team member and family man, and his contribution to the unity and growth of South Africa’s sporting industry will never be forgotten.”

Brandon is survived by his wife Judith and three daughters, Liza, Tarryn and Candice.

TITANS DEVASTATED

“It’s heartbreaking news and a big loss for the world of sport and cricket. His passing will leave a big gap with us here at the Titans as well as his family,” said Titans Cricket CEO Dr Jacques Faul.

“My heart goes out to his loved ones and we wish them strength and comfort during this very difficult period.

"The memory of Brandon Foot will remain with us at SuperSport Park and he will be commemorated at this evening’s CSA T20 Challenge match between the Titans and Rocks."

Titans Cricket sends their condolences to the family, friends and loved one of the great leader, Brandon Foot.

CSA MOURNS THE PASSING OF BRANDON FOOT

It is with deep sadness that Cricket South Africa (CSA) learned of the passing of Brandon Foot. 

As a former cricketer of remarkable talent and dedication, Brandon's impact extended far beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch.

His pivotal role in fostering unity within cricket, culminating in the historic achievement of 1992, stands as a testament to his leadership and vision.

Throughout his tenure as President of the Northerns Cricket Union and as a director on numerous esteemed boards, including Titans Cricket and Cricket South Africa, Brandon demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for the sport he loved. 

His influence also reached beyond cricket, as evidenced by his involvement with The Sharks, the Cheetahs, and various other sporting entities.

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said;

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Brandon's family, friends, colleagues at Titans, SuperSport, and all those whose lives he touched. 

“In his capacity as a leader and mentor, Brandon Foot worked closely with many of us, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our collective pursuit of excellence within the sports community.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory continue to be a source of strength and comfort during this difficult time. His contributions to the sports fraternity, particularly within cricket, are deeply cherished and will forever be remembered,” said Moseki.

PSL CHAIRMAN’S TRIBUTE

In the core of institutions and initiatives that society admire because they work admirably well, are leaders who are surrounded by technical expertise and undeterred advice. Those that have been privileged to work with Brandon Foot know that his involvement brought about solutions with foresight.

He understood that there is nothing shrewd about overreaching when you could be equitable because inequity breeds resentment. He negotiated win-win contracts that cultivated lifelong working relationships.

Every interaction with Brandon brought to bear the impeccable value system he believed in and lived by.

When the PSL sought to unlock its true value through the issuing of the groundbreaking ITT in 2007, Brandon brought more than the lawyer he is into the situation.

He had no problem understanding public interest because it was his inherent belief that law should be equitable and serve society. He understood that sport required sustainable support and funding to thrive because he never stopped being a player who won when the team and ecosystem worked in concert and lost when teamwork was compromised.

Brandon had a quiet yet effective way of saving those he advised from themselves. Brandon was not locked in an era, his adaptability revealed that his ever-present awareness of the changing environment the world is operating in. 

It is not only his family and Multichoice that lost. We in the PSL lost, so has the quest for a working South Africa armed with expertise and undeterred advice.

Farewell Mr Foot. May your family be consoled and your soul repose peacefully. You will be sorely missed.