Remembering Henry Norman ‘Boy’ Hopley (24 October 1946 – 14 April 2025)

As we express our most sincere condolences to the bereaved Hopley and the extended families, we pay tribute to a monumental pillar of our communities.

Henry was a pioneer of development, equality, and a working-class community builder. My association with this fallen hero extends beyond his gallant efforts to bring joy, happiness, and social justice to the disadvantaged masses. We enjoyed the status of being work colleagues at the Diamond Fields Advertiser.

I can relate with faculty to his defiant demeanour to level the playing fields and alter the unequal landscape in the newspaper industry, especially within the confines of journalism.

He did not possess a diploma or degree in journalism; he just rose through the ranks and served under the tutorship of many great editors to the extent that he could craft and narrate articles to become a quintessential reporter. His inherent genius to submerge himself within the socio-economic hardships of others and narrate their stories within the print media gave a huge sense of inner pride and acceptance to others.

His forte was sport, and as an ardent soccer player in his day, this was his strength. No code of sport went beyond his comprehension, and he could report on every code as he understood and immersed himself in the rules and regulations governing that particular code of sport.

Henry worked for various newspapers, with the Volksblad and DFA being his biggest assignments, with a bilingual vocabulary that surpassed many a seasoned editor.

During the apartheid era, his job title was reporter, but he could arguably measure up to any journalist with a formal degree or diploma.

Very few would know his challenges in the newsroom, when you had to really convince the sub-editor and editor that your stories were newsworthy and demonstrate why by virtue of their content.

As a journalist, his stories largely contributed to the sales of the DFA. Apartheid in South Africa delivered many harsh blows, and even in the print media the landscape was very uneven.

When the management of the DFA commissioned the extra edition of the DFA, which would exclusively serve non-white sport and community events, Henry made his intention and opinion clear. He was not very pleased but capitalised on the opportunity alongside the late legendary Vusi Thukokomo to create a sense of worth amongst our people, keeping them abreast of sport and community achievements.

Henry could effortlessly relate and narrate the history of black sport legends and unsung heroes and heroines.

Henry Norman Hopley was known as the Godfather of Californians “Callies”. Callies was established in 1942, with his late father John Hopley being a founding member. They emanated from the historic area of Ronaldsvlei, with a rich history of how Kimberley evolved.

Henry was inaugurated as a full member of the team in 1949 at the age of seven years old. At this age he could not play, and as he was always present when his father went to the games, he very soon acquired the title of the team mascot.

At age 12, he made his debut as a right wing in the second team due to his persistence and scored two goals in that game against Naughty Boys from Galeshewe. This mean feat secured him a new pair of soccer boots from his late father. His passion was being a goalkeeper, and he excelled in this position.

When he embarked on a career in Johannesburg, he played for a team called Daffodils in Lenasia and, after a knee injury, returned to Kimberley to take up the mantle once again at his former club Callies. Henry subsequently employed his administrative skills to elevate the profile of football and serve his community.

In 1970 he served as the chairperson of Callies and was also instrumental in resuscitating the Griqualand West (Coloured) Football Association. In 1972, they amalgamated with the Griqualand East Football Association to form one multi-racial association.

Henry was a living encyclopaedia for sport, and the history of black sportsmen and women was his passion. His great passion for sport also resulted in him serving as a cricket administrator at both club and provincial level.

We salute an unsung hero who toiled tirelessly to bring social justice, equality and integrity to his communities, where he served with humility and distinction.

Rest well Henry, safe in the arms of Jesus.

You have run the race. Go on to meet your Redeemer. Your crown awaits.

Farrell Moses

President – Northern Cape Sport Confederation

CEO – Northern Cape Printing and Stationery

Chairperson – William Pescod Alumni Trust

#apartheid-era

Remembering Henry Norman ‘Boy’ Hopley: A legacy in journalism and sport