Kaunda Ntunja Passes Away

South Africa lost one of their notable commentators for professional rugby, with the family of Kaunda Ntunja announcing his death at 38. The announcement came on July 20th & saddened the professional community, as Kaunda Ntunja was a Captain with the South African Cheetahs for a short period. Playing throughout the 2005 Season, he’d stand amongst a Currie-Cup winning team that would inevitably lead to a notable commentating role. This included the “Xhosa Commentary Duo of Zizi & Dabane”.

Tando Ntunja, the sister of Kaunda, informed the press through social media to limit public appearances. The official statement clarified that their family remains in shock & a deep sadness. However, Tando explained that Kaunda died in East London, Eastern Cape. His sister emphasized that their trying to come to terms with the tragic news & have requested for the discretion of media officials while her brother is laid to rest.

South African Media resisted the concept of discretion, with speculation on his death occurring since the 20th. Sports commentators close with Kaunda Ntunja remarked his health upon their last meeting before lockdown protocols were implemented. It’d lead to some thinking that Kaunda Ntunja could’ve died from COVID-19. No official cause of death has been released & fans of the former Cheetahs Captain shouldn’t take these rumours as reality. Tando Ntunja will issue the cause of death when appropriate.

The Mourning of a Community

Kaunda Ntunja revolutionized rugby history in South African, becoming the 1st Black School Captain. He led a team that included MJ Mentz and Ricky Januarie, both of whom would become World Rugby Cup Champions. The South African Rugby Association provided an official statement on the death of Kaunda Ntunja, remarking their sadness & sentiments for the Ntunja family.

SARA remarked that Kaunda Ntunja was a pioneer of professional rugby, that his passing is untimely & far too early at 38 years-of-age. This man influenced future decades of professional black rugby players, with him becoming the first SA School Captain of African descent. When younger and more athletic, Kaunda acquired a Currie-Cup Championship. Then when everyone thought his career had ended, Mr Ntunja would define SA SuperSport with groundbreaking commentary.