Cassie Booyse, better known as Vernon Koekemoer, died on Wednesday, August 14, at the age of 67, after enduring a long battle with health issues that began in 2018.
South Africa has lost a true icon, a man who became a viral sensation and a symbol of fun and resilience.
A visit to Tambo Memorial Hospital led to a hip replacement in January 2019 but things didn't go as planned. By 2022, he was back in the hospital, facing yet another operation.
His life partner Linda Coetzee shared that he was in desperate need of a miracle but despite the surgeries, Booyse was left bedridden and fighting for his life.
South Africans rallied around him, launching a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign that raised over R150 000 to help him access private care. It was a testament to the love and admiration the country had for the man who had brought so much joy to so many.
He was "discovered" in 2008 when a photo of him at an H2O Party went viral—before going viral was even a thing. His muscular build, mullet, and tiny shorts made him an instant sensation, earning him the nickname of South Africa's "Chuck Norris".
He quickly became a fixture in the Gauteng party scene, appearing in adverts for brands like Nando's, making cameos in music videos, and even releasing a CD mix of dance tracks.
Wherever Booyse went, he was a crowd-pleaser, always ready to pose for photos and spread joy like a true South African.
Despite his health struggles, Booyse’s legacy lived on through his fans, who shared their favourite memories and photos of him online. H2O, the party that made him famous, honoured him with heartfelt condolences, remembering him as a legend who will always be part of their dance floor.
In his final months, Booyse faced even more health challenges. According to Coetzee, he had been very ill for the last three months with stomach issues, which he suspected might be cancer.
His past traumatic experiences in the hospital made him reluctant to seek further medical help, but he remained strong until the end.
@Facilityof_e took to X: “ Damn! RIP to a Legend ✊🥂🙏 Who Put the OU back in Electro 🔥.”
Damn! RIP to a Legend ✊🥂🙏
— FoE (@Facilityof_e) August 15, 2024
Who Put the OU back in Electro 🔥#Vernonkoekemoer everyone 👏 pic.twitter.com/SKTCjIZQVr
@Deano_100proof wrote: “R.I.P Vernon Koekemoer, you showed the world what's behind the boerewors curtain 💪🏻😎
“Condolences to all bull supporters, dubbelcab drivers and aunties in 4times4's on their loss 🙏🏻“
R.I.P Vernon Koekemoer, you showed the world what's behind the boerewors curtain 💪🏻😎
— ▓▒░ 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 ░▒▓ (@Deano_100proof) August 15, 2024
Condolences to all bull supporters, dubbelcab drivers and aunties in 4times4's on their loss 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/YHkBIwpC8k
@LaureenS91 also wrote: “Rus in vrede Vernon Koekemoer 🥺🙏💔.”
Rus in vrede Vernon Koekemoer 🥺🙏💔 pic.twitter.com/RnNXuk0pPZ
— Lulu 🎶💞🎶💞 (@LaureenS91) August 15, 2024
“Very sad to see that Vernon Koekemoer (Cassie Booyse) has died, he was a legend,” @LadySayFuckALot wrote.
Very sad to see that Vernon Koekemoer (Cassie Booyse) has died, he was a legend