CAPE TOWN – A Kuils River family is devastated by the sudden loss of their son, Joshua Afrika, who collapsed and died at a rugby training camp in Riebeek-Kasteel on 7 February. He was only 24 years old.
The talented rugby player at Brackenfell Rugby Club was also deeply committed to his faith community at Cape Town Christian Fellowship, where he served as both a youth leader and drummer in the church band. He was pursuing his second-year Sport Science studies at ETA College in Stellenbosch while giving back to the community as a rugby coach at De Kuilen High School—the very school where he once ran out on the field.
In a Facebook post, Brackenfell Rugby Football Club wrote, “Joshua was part of our elite squad and attended the recent team-building weekend. He was a young man of great character, commitment, and promise. Joshua will be remembered not only for his involvement in the club, but for the person he was and the impact he had on those around him.”
In an online post, ahead of his memorial service at Cape Town Christian Fellowship last week, the church wrote: “We mourn the loss of a vibrant soul, son, brother, friend, a gifted musician, coach, rugby player, and youth leader—Joshua Afrika. Joshua didn’t just play the drums; he served the Lord with every beat.”
W.P. International Rugby Institute, where Joshua was part of the Rugby Academy in 2021, speaks highly of him, saying, “He was the definition of hard work and dedication, always giving his best on the field. Joshua was not only a talented rugby player, but a kind, caring individual who brought warmth and positivity wherever he went.”
Fund started
His heartbroken father Elroy Afrika told local media that it is extremely tough to come to terms with his death, “We are managing to get through one day and one moment at a time and just holding on to God’s love and grace towards us. We are embracing the fact that we had the wonderful opportunity to raise such a remarkably brilliant son. The void left behind is beyond words.”
There is as yet no indication of what caused his death.
A BackaBuddy fund was set up by Joshua’s friends in hopes of raising R30,000 to financially assist the family with immediate expenses and ongoing support. To donate, the link is https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/honoring-the-life-of-joshua-afrika
