Golfing legend Sewshanker "Papwa" Sewgolum, who was the first person of colour to win a professional golf tournament in South Africa, was paid homage on Thursday by the Durban Country Club, which erected a plaque in his honour.
Papwa beat Harold Henning to win the Natal Open in 1963 and then defeated Gary Player to win the Dutch Open in Holland in 1965. He won the Dutch Open three times.
But his monumental victory in the Natal Open was turned to shame when he had to receive his trophy in the rain because he was not allowed inside the Durban Country Club.
Images of Papwa receiving his award in the rain were beamed across the world and not only highlighted discrimination in sport in South Africa but also helped to build Papwa's image as a sports activist against apartheid.
Durban Country Club chairperson Ray Lalouette apologised to Papwa's wife, Suminthra, and his son, Rajen Sewshanker, for the demeaning manner in which the club had treated Papwa more than 40 years ago.
"I apologise for the suffering of that most unfortunate incident.
"Papwa was a remarkable man from humble origins and a great golfer," said Lalouette.
Papwa was runner-up in the South African Open Championship and was then banned from all South African golfing tournaments in 1963.
Sewshanker said those were difficult times for the family because golf was Papwa's livelihood, which had been ended by apartheid.
The Papwa Sewgolum Memorial Plaque was unveiled by Suminthra Sewgolum, Sewshanker and Lalouette.
A documentary of Papwa's life will be shown on South African television in June.