A final-year BCom student at Stellenbosch University (SU) died after collapsing during an informal practice.
Renaldo Dickson was participating in an informal touch rugby and skills session, hosted by SU’s Majuba men’s residence on 13 April, said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU, via email correspondence with MatieMedia.
Dickson was later pronounced dead.
“[Renaldo Dickson’s] teammates said he looked healthy and happy”, but after scoring the last try of the practice “suddenly collapsed”, on his way to the huddle, explained Liam Ness, friend of Dickson. PHOTO: Amy Cloete
Dickson collapsed, while returning to the final huddle of the player-run practice, said prof Wilbur Kraak, residence head of Majuba. Kraak informed Dickson’s parents while he was being rushed to the hospital and told them to make their way to Stellenbosch from Stanford, where Dickson’s parents live, explained Kraak.
“His teammates said he looked healthy and happy”, but after scoring the last try of the practice “suddenly collapsed”, on his way to the huddle, explained Liam Ness, a friend of Dickson.
Kraak met up with Dickson’s parents at the Stellenbosch Mediclinic at approximately 21:00, when a doctor declared Dickson dead, said Kraak.
Renaldo Dickson, who died after collapsing at touch rugby practice, was in Majuba men’s residence for two years. This is according to Liam Ness, a friend of Dickson. PHOTO: Amy Cloete
Memorial service planned
Dickson lived in Majuba for two years, said Ness. He was part of the residence rugby team from first year, stated Kraak. The residence was informed of Dickson’s passing at approximately 22:15, added Kraak.
Majuba is planning a memorial service in conjunction with the Centre for Student Communities and Maties Sport, explained Kraak. The memorial will be held on Wednesday 19 April, said Viljoen.
The residence will be checking in on the Majuba students regularly through the leadership structures, explained Kraak. Majuba has an ER24 counsellor on call and SU’s counselling services, along with Campus Health, are also available to offer support, said Kraak.
The Majuba residence rugby team had practice at the Danie Craven practice fields on 13 April when Renaldo Dickson collapsed, said Liam Ness, friend of Dickson. PHOTO: Amy Cloete
Dickson’s legacy
“He was extremely down to earth. He never cared about materialistic things,” said Ness.
The pair met in res in first year and “clicked really well”, explained Ness. “[Dickson] had a way with people, he always made everyone laugh and feel good,” said Ness.