Bulelwa Hoala
- Police have launched an investigation after 17-year-old Kungawo Booi, son of former Cape Town Human Settlements MMC Malusi Booi, collapsed and died during rugby practice at Westering High School in Gqeberha.
- Teammates who witnessed the incident have been offered counselling, while the school community held a memorial service honouring Kungawo’s life.
- The tragedy comes as SA Rugby introduces new regulations setting a standard age for tackling, with contact rugby now beginning only at the U9 level.
Police have launched an investigation following the death of former Cape Town Human Settlements MMC Malusi Booi’s son, Kungawo Booi (17), who collapsed during rugby practice at Westering High School in Gqeberha last Thursday, 4 December 2025.
According to EWN, Kungawo was injured during practice and, despite receiving medical attention from emergency services, he died on the scene.
His teammates witnessed the incident and have since been offered counselling by the school.
In a touching tribute shared on social media, Booi wrote: “Died with your boots on, rest in peace my son.”
Acting Principal H. Mulder called on the school community to support one another during this time.
“Counselling and emotional support are available for any learner or staff member who needs it, and we encourage our Westering family to lean on one another in the days ahead.
“We grieve together as a community, and we will carry Kungawo’s memory with us always,” Mulder said.
A memorial service was held at the school on Wednesday, 10 December, where teachers and pupils paid tribute to Kungawo’s life.
Speaking at the service, Kungawo’s uncle, Austin Manqina, said: “I stand here out of responsibility, not because I am the stronger one, I am not. Life does that. No parent should have to go through what we are going through as a family. However, through your prayers, we will be strong. We thank you for your support during these difficult times.”
Kungawo Booi will be laid to rest on Saturday, 13 December, at St John’s Methodist Church in Gqeberha. He leaves behind his parents, his sister, and his twin brother.
Meanwhile, this tragic incident comes as SA Rugby announced on Tuesday, 9 December, that it has standardised the age at which young players may begin tackling.
Children in the Under-5 to Under-8 age groups will now only take part in non-contact versions of the sport, such as tag and touch rugby.
“Full contact and tackle rugby will only start in the U9 age group, following a structured and standardised ‘Confidence and Safety in Contact’ programme. This will be introduced during the second half of the U8 season to build foundational skills such as falling, rolling, wrestling and absorbing contact, and will form part of a six-week pre-season readiness block before the U9 rugby programme,” SA Rugby said in a statement.
According to Clint Readhead, General Manager of SA Rugby’s Medical Department, South Africa is the only rugby nation that did not previously have a definitive age for the start of tackling.
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