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DocumentClosedmedia statement

President Ramaphosa mourns passing of rising sports stars

Office of the Deputy President (The Presidency)Ref: https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-mourns-passing-rising-sports-stars

Official source

Source domain: thepresidency.gov.za

Collected on 12 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 21 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This is a media statement from The Presidency in which President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses condolences on the deaths of two young South African sportsmen: Jayden Adams (Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder) and Luqobo Makwedini (former South African Rugby Under-18 prop). The statement says Adams died at age 25 and Makwedini at age 20, and it extends condolences to their families and teammates. It also notes that the deaths are particularly tragic given ongoing national sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and Springboks/Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria on the day of the statement.

Facts

Places

City of Tshwane, Gauteng

Reference

https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-mourns-passing-rising-sports-stars

Key Takeaways

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses condolences
  • Deceased: Jayden Adams (Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder)
  • Deceased: Luqobo Makwedini (former SA Rugby Under-18 prop)
  • Ages at death: 25 (Adams) and 20 (Makwedini)
  • Condolences to families, teammates (Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns) and SA Under-18 teammates
  • Mentions ongoing events: FIFA World Cup; Springboks and Springbok Women matches vs Scotland and USA Eagles
  • Location mentioned: Pretoria
  • Date submitted/issued: 11 July 2026
  • Media contact: Vincent Magwenya (Spokesperson to the President), media@presidency.gov.za
  • Issued by: The Presidency, Pretoria
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa
  • The Presidency
  • Jayden Adams
  • Bafana Bafana
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Luqobo Makwedini
  • South African Rugby Under-18
  • Springboks
  • Springbok Women
  • Scotland
  • USA Eagles
  • Vincent Magwenya

Dates

Closing Date

11 July 2026