Every year, the South African sporting community is reminded of how deeply its heroes shape our collective identity, not only through victories, but through the inspiration they leave behind. In 2025, we bid farewell to a number of prominent figures across disciplines, from boxing and rugby to cricket, football, and swimming.
These men and women carried the hopes of fans, broke barriers, and embodied the resilience of South African sport. They were mentors, pioneers, and role models who helped define eras and uplift communities.
As we reflect on their lives, their stories remind us that sport is more than competition; it’s culture, memory, and connection.
Those we lost this year, remembered with respect:
Boxing: Lee Dyer, Emile Brice, Daniel Bruwer, Dr Steven Saad, Steve Kalakoda.
Cricket: Ron Draper, Kamohelo Mtsweni, Robin Smith.
Football: Desmond Chauke, Gerry Francis, Tendai Ndoro.
Golf: Phil Simmons.
Motorsport: Pieter Joubert.
Rowing: Kerry Grundlingh.
Rugby: Piet Bester, Andy van der Watt, Sakkie de Klerk, Piet Strydom, Wally Walters, Kobus van der Merwe, Toy Dannhauser, Norman Mbiko, Cornal Hendricks, Braam Reynecke, Des van Jaarsveldt, Vuyo Maqholo, Daniel Snyman, Bevan Fortuin, Jan Boland Coetzee, Max Baise, Lusanda Dumke.
Road running: Jetman Msutu, Cheryl Winn, Desirée du Plessis.
Swimming: Joan Harrison.
