Tributes pour in for community champion Brad Bing

Brad Bing, Noordhoek resident, founder of Sporting Chance, and former chairman of the Noordhoek Ratepayers' Association, has died after a battle with glioblastoma, an incurable cancer of the brain.

Brad, who died on Wednesday, May 21, at the age of 62, was described as a visionary, a pioneer, and the heartbeat of both his organisation and his community.

Born and raised in Noordhoek, Brad devoted his life to making a difference, not just in the valley he called home, but in townships and communities across South Africa. His work in sport development earned him the respect and admiration of many.

His younger brother, Rick Bing, told the Echo that Brad had lived most of his life in Noordhoek, where he was happiest. “He loved it,” he said.

“I was very close to Brad. He was incredibly considerate and always protective of me – he was a big guy, and very likeable. Since his passing, we’ve been learning about things he did that we never even knew about. I think what he accomplished in his life was truly incredible.”

Brad was the founder and managing director of Sporting Chance, a national youth sports development organisation he started in 1990.

Rick said Brad had a deep understanding of sport in South Africa, particularly in the communities where he worked tirelessly at grassroots level.

He recalled how difficult it was for Brad to get started. “He struggled to get a loan, but he never gave up. He just knew – this wasn’t just any project. It was something that mattered.”

"Brad understood what was happening on the ground better than many sports administrators – and he genuinely cared. Some embraced him, others pushed back. How did this white guy know so much? It was because he was there, doing the work," he said.

In a statement, Sporting Chance said it all began, “with an answering machine and a bag of cricket balls,” and grew to reach hundreds of thousands of children and coaches across South Africa.

“Brad was more than a leader – he was a visionary, a pioneer, and the heartbeat of Sporting Chance,” the organisation said. “His passion, unwavering dedication, and boundless energy inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

The team said they remain committed to carrying Brad’s vision forward. “He built something truly special, and the team he mentored and nurtured over the years is committed to honouring his vision… His legacy will live on in every child and coach who gets a Sporting Chance.”

In a statement, the Western Province Cricket Association described Brad’s passing as a profound loss to the cricketing community in the province and beyond.

“Brad was a loyal servant of WP Cricket, coming from a distinguished cricketing family led by his father, Fritz Bing. His footprint, particularly through Sporting Chance, will continue to impact the sport and the lives of many for years to come.”

WPCA President Johannes Adams added: “Brad was more than a colleague; he was a friend and a passionate champion for the development of youth through sport. His contribution to Western Province Cricket and South African communities through Sporting Chance was truly remarkable. We will miss his energy, vision, and the humanity he brought to everything he did.”

The Noordhoek Ratepayers' Association (NRPA), which Brad chaired, said his passing had left the community reeling. In a tribute, the association described him as “the very soul of our community” – a lifelong Noordhoek resident whose love for the valley and its people was both “unmatched and unforgettable.”

They said Brad led with humility, strength, and a quiet determination, giving freely of his time and energy, and always putting the needs of others first.

“Whether in meetings or at local events, Brad’s presence was one of kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength,” the statement read.

The NRPA extended their condolences to his wife and sons, saying the loss was immense and that the community grieves alongside them.

“Brad’s legacy will forever live on in the valleys, beaches, and hearts of Noordhoek,” they said. “Noordhoek is better because of you, and we will never forget what you stood for,” the association said.