(Published - 25 February 2019)

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) and its rugby fraternity mourns the passing of one of its prominent alumni, community activist and former rugby star, Kosie Welman. Mr Welman passed away on Wednesday in his hometown of Graaff Reinet in the Eastern Cape after a short illness.

Mr Welman enrolled at UWC in 1967 and graduated with a BA degree 1970. A year later he returned to Graaff Reinet where he took up a teaching position at Spandau Secondary School. He scaled the ranks at the school and eventually became its principal until his retirement.

While on campus, Mr Welman played as flyhalf for the University rugby team. “He actually carried the team and was the gel between the scrum and the backline players,” recalls alumnus Eddie Geduld, who played with him from 1967 until 1968.

Mr Geduld remembers that Mr Welman was so good that he was selected to play for the Northerns Union and Bellville Rugby clubs, where his stellar performances earned him a call-up to represent a South African side.

Mr Welman’s funeral service is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 2 March 2019 in Graaff Reinet.