Teen Rugby Player Kungawo Booi Dies During School Training Session in Gqeberha
A cloud of grief has settled over Westering High School in Gqeberha following the sudden death of 17-year-old learner and rugby player Kungawo Booi, son of former Cape Town Human Settlements MMC Malusi Booi.
The teenager collapsed during a routine rugby practice session last Thursday, 4 December.
According to Kaya959, Kungawo suffered an injury during drills. Emergency responders attempted to save his life, but he was declared dead at the scene. Police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
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Witnessed by Teammates, Counselling Activated
Several of Kungawo’s teammates were present when the incident occurred, prompting the school to activate its trauma support systems.
Acting principal H. Mulder confirmed that counselling services have been made available to learners and staff affected by the tragedy.
“We encourage our Westering family to lean on one another in the days ahead,” Mulder said. “We grieve together as a community, and we will carry Kungawo’s memory with us always.”
Heartfelt Tributes and School Memorial
Messages of shock and heartbreak have poured in since the news broke. In a short tribute shared on social media, his father Malusi Booi wrote:
“Died with your boots on, rest in peace my son.”
A memorial service was held at the school on Wednesday, 10 December, where teachers, classmates and coaches honoured the life of the young athlete.
Kungawo will be laid to rest on Saturday, 13 December, at St John’s Methodist Church in Gqeberha. He is survived by his parents, sister, and twin brother.
Tragedy Coincides With SA Rugby’s New Youth Contact Regulations
The teenager’s death comes at a time when SA Rugby is tightening safety protocols for young players across the country. On 9 December, the federation confirmed that tackling will now only be introduced at the Under-9 level.
Players in the U5 to U8 age groups will participate exclusively in non-contact rugby formats such as tag and touch.
In its announcement, SA Rugby said the contact phase will now follow a structured “Confidence and Safety in Contact” programme, introduced late in the U8 season and reinforced through a six-week pre-season block to prepare players before moving into U9 contact rugby.