December often evokes feelings of warmth and togetherness, making the news of loss particularly impactful during this season.
On the morning of Tuesday, December 16, South Africa learned of the heartbreaking death of Lusanda Dumke.
The Blue Bulls Company (BCCo) announced that Dumke passed away in East London after bravely confronting a rare form of gastric cancer.
The community of South African sports, along with Dumke’s family, friends, and colleagues, mourns her loss.Akuhlanga lungehlanga!
Dumke, a 29-year-old former captain of the Springbok Women’s rugby team, was a figure of tenacity and strength. She took a step back from the sport in August 2025 to prioritize her health after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of gastric cancer.
This type of cancer affects the stomach lining and can be hard to detect early as the symptoms often include ongoing stomach discomfort, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
By the time it becomes identifiable, it is frequently at an advanced stage.
SiCelo SA reports that while stomach cancer (or gastric cancer, referred to as GC) is not the most prevalent cancer in South Africa, it remains a major health issue. In 2022, there were approximately 804 new male cases and 518 new female cases annually, making it the 10th most common cancer for men and 14th for women.
Over a lifetime, about 1 in 493 South Africans may experience this illness, though exact statistics can differ based on various sources and demographic factors.
Dumke was born on September 11, 1996, in East London and displayed her rugby talent from an early age, making her debut for the Border Ladies at just 18 in 2015. In 2018, she played her first match for the Springboks against Wales in Cardiff and emerged as a consistent and robust player.
Dumke’s career was marked by numerous achievements. In 2021, she led the Springbok Women in her first match as captain against Kenya in Stellenbosch and continued to guide the team, including a match versus Australia in 2024.
Dumke represented her country in the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, competing against teams from France, Fiji, and England. Her final Test appearance was against Italy at WXV 2 in Cape Town in 2024. Over her 33 Tests, she scored 10 tries and captained the team on three occasions.
Her influence reached beyond fifteen years of rugby. Dumke excelled in sevens as well, playing for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team in Cape Town in 2019 and again at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Tunisia in 2022, where South Africa claimed the continental title.
In her home province, she successfully led both Border and the Isuzu Bulls Daisies to provincial championships.
In times like this, statistics fall short. Dumke’s adaptability, insight, and determination distinguished her as an exceptional athlete while serving as an inspiration to many young women hoping to make their mark in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
The announcement of her passing has reverberated across the nation, leading to an outpouring of grief on social media platforms. Teammates, colleagues, and fans have shared tributes celebrating the profound impact Dumke had on their lives.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander expressed the collective emotion in his statement, referring to Dumke as “a symbol of courage, leadership and resilience far beyond her years.”
He acknowledged her humility, dedication, and grace in facing her illness, noting that losing someone so young to cancer is a heart-wrenching experience.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi posted a tribute video on Instagram with a simple caption: “Lusanda Dumke 1997–2025 🕊️.” The video features the Springbok Women performing an igwijo, a chant rooted in South African culture that celebrates strength and unity.
The song, “Uzovuma Kamnandi,” can be interpreted as “Sing sweetly.” What was once a joyful tune has now transformed into a poignant farewell, haunting yet beautiful, and profoundly South African.
Teammate Yonela Ngxikolo shared a poignant montage on TikTok, showcasing moments filled with laughter from locker rooms and team travels.
The chosen background music repeats the TikTok sound “Charlie, will I ever see you again?,” originally from the concluding scene of the 1989 animated film “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”
“Charlie, will I ever see you again?”
Charlie: “Sure you will, kid. You know goodbyes aren’t forever.”
The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture also honored Dumke’s legacy. Minister Gayton McKenzie remarked, “She carried the hopes of her teammates and the pride of the nation every time she stepped onto the field. Her loss is devastating to rugby and to the country.”
In the comments, many South Africans expressed their disbelief and sadness: “She was just a baby.” “May her soul rest in peace.” “Strength to her family.”
Even though she left us too soon, Dumke’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those she influenced. Every match played by her teammates will reflect a piece of her spirit, serving as a reminder to aspire for greater dreams and show greater determination.
