Eastern Cape – Former South Africa Under-18 rugby star Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini, 20, was laid to rest in his hometown of Komga in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, bringing an emotional farewell to one of the country’s brightest young rugby prospects.
Family, friends, former teammates and members of the rugby community gathered to honour the talented prop, whose dream of playing at the highest level was cut tragically short.
Makwedini died earlier this month after collapsing during a training session with French Pro D2 club AS Béziers Hérault, where he had recently signed a three-year contract and was preparing for his senior professional career.
WATCH | Friends and family bid farewell to Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini in Qumrha, Eastern Cape. The 20-year-old former SA Under-18 player’s life was cut short after he collapsed during training in France last month. pic.twitter.com/pQVlfTHQ4z
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 1, 2026
While the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, reports have suggested he may have suffered heatstroke.
The funeral was marked by heartfelt tributes celebrating Makwedini’s humility, work ethic and immense rugby talent.
Mourners reflected on a promising career that had seen him earn South Africa Under-18 honours after excelling at Wynberg Boys’ High School before securing a move to France.
Today, Deputy Minister Mabe, joined the Makwedini family, rugby fraternity & Qumrha community to pay final respects to Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini.
We honour a young life that inspired many through sport and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/XHETST5wMT— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 1, 2026
His family thanked the South African government for assisting with the repatriation of his body from France, allowing him to be buried at home.
His older brother, Sihle Makwedini, described the loss as devastating, saying it felt “like a pot with three feet. I’ve lost one, and I’m stumbling along.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
