South African football and education communities are mourning the loss of Daniel Donald Dhliwayo, affectionately known as “DD,” who passed away on Thursday, 1 May 2025, at the age of 98. He died at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, just months before his 99th birthday.
Dhliwayo was more than just a football administrator; he was a passionate educator, a community leader, and a philanthropist. As the former chairman of the Orlando Pirates Football Club, he played a key role in transforming the team into a continental football powerhouse. However, his contributions extended far beyond the stadium, earning him admiration across multiple sectors of society.
His son, Kutlwano Dhliwayo, spoke to Daily Sun about his father’s final moments. He revealed that DD had spent five weeks in the intensive care unit, where doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. “We were hopeful he’d pull through. Just the day before he passed, we were discussing how well he was doing,” said Kutlwano. Sadly, Daniel took his final breath at 11:27 pm on May 1. Kutlwano, who had stayed late at the hospital that night, was the last family member to see him alive.
The Dhliwayo family initially delayed announcing the news, still coming to terms with the shock of his passing. “We hadn’t given up hope. Even the doctors were optimistic. His death hit us hard,” Kutlwano shared.
DD Dhliwayo’s football legacy is deeply rooted in the 1970s, when he served as the chairman of the Orlando Pirates. His leadership not only brought the club significant sponsorships and talent development opportunities but also laid the groundwork for the club’s continued success. Many current football icons credit DD’s vision and support during the early stages of their careers.
Despite his high-profile role in football, Dhliwayo remained committed to education throughout his life. Coming from humble beginnings — with a father who worked in the mines and a mother who sold street food to support the family — he never forgot the struggles of disadvantaged students. In the late 1960s, he co-founded the Rand Bursary Fund with Dr. Thamsanqa Kambule, aiming to provide financial assistance to students in need.
The Orlando Pirates family has been among the first to publicly honor the football pioneer. Club chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza reached out to the Dhliwayo family, promising to pay tribute with moments of silence before matches and to support the funeral arrangements.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support, especially from the Pirates family,” said Kutlwano.
Daniel “DD” Dhliwayo’s funeral service will be held on Friday, 9 May 2025, from 8 am to 11 am in Mondeor, Johannesburg. He will be laid to rest at Nesrec Memorial Park.
His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched in sports and education — a true South African icon whose impact will not be forgotten.