Help honour the life of Joshua Afrika, a beloved rugby player from Kuils River

The family of 24-year-old rugby player Joshua Afrika from Kuils River has appealed to the public for assistance to help lay their beloved son to rest after he collapsed and died during a training camp last week.

Joshua passed away on Saturday, February 7, while attending a pre-season rugby training camp in Riebeek-Kasteel.

His cousin, Jesse, said Joshua was part of the elite squad at the Brackenfell Rugby Football Club and had travelled to the Malmesbury area for pre-season preparations when the incident occurred.

“He had already done quite a lot of pre-season work prior to the actual camp. He was a strong, healthy and fit individual. What happened is very strange and unexpected. Everyone is really feeling it. It’s something we don’t fully understand, and we are taking things day by day,” he said.

The exact cause of Joshua’s death remains unclear. According to the family, the initial autopsy report indicated that his organs were healthy. Further microscopic testing is expected to determine more details.

During this difficult time, the family has asked for support from the community.

“Any sort of support from anyone and everyone would be appreciated. Whether it's a donation towards the funeral costs or just a message of condolences to his parents. It's just a very strange and difficult time,” said Jesse.

Joshua was described as a young man deeply committed to his faith, sport and community. He served in youth leadership at his church and played drums in the church choir.

He was also in his second year of Sport Science studies at ETA College Stellenbosch. Alongside his studies, he gave back to his community by coaching the Under-19 rugby team at De Kuilen High School.

Close friend Nafi Abrahams described Joshua as someone who lived with integrity and love.

“Josh had a way of lighting up every room he entered. His laughter, his joy and his unwavering support for others made him someone people naturally gravitated toward,” Abrahams said.

“He was loved and respected by his peers, his teammates and his community; a true role model both on and off the field. Whether mentoring young people, leading the choir or cheering on his rugby team, he gave his all to everything he did.”

The Brackenfell Rugby Football Club and Cape Town Christian Fellowship have both extended their condolences to the family, describing Joshua as a young man of great character who served with dedication and heart.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, at the Friend of God Church - Goodwood Campus at Frans Conradie Drive, Vasco Boulevard, Tygerdal.

You can support the family by contributing to the back-a-buddy campaign at this link. For more information, contact Nafi at 074 730 6780.

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