On February 17, 2026, Jude Stewart, an 18-year-old rugby player for Helpmekaar Kollege and a beloved part of the school community in Johannesburg, South Africa, passed quite suddenly. Coaches, players, classmates, and the larger Helpmekaar family were in deep shock and sadness after school authorities and his family announced his death on Wednesday.
Jude was known for his fierce commitment to the game, his leadership on the field, and his uplifting spirit off it. As a standout member of the Helpmekaar rugby squad, he combined athletic talent with a deep sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that earned him admiration from peers, opponents, and coaches alike.
Jude Stewart was born and raised in Johannesburg, where he enrolled at Helpmekaar Kollege and quickly became a standout in the school’s rugby programme. He balanced rigorous academic demands with dedicated training and team commitments, showing maturity, discipline, and a genuine love for the sport that inspired those around him. On the field, Jude played with intensity and skill, often stepping up as a leader to motivate teammates during tough matches or training sessions.
Off the field, he was remembered as a young man of integrity, humour, and generosity—someone who built strong friendships, supported others quietly, and brought positivity to every environment he entered. Teachers, coaches, and classmates recall a student who led by example, treated everyone with respect, and made the school community feel more united through his warmth and team spirit.
Helpmekaar Kollege has been deeply affected by Jude’s loss. The school has made counselling services available to students, staff, and families, recognising the heavy emotional impact on the entire school community. Rugby teammates have shared memories of his leadership, his determination in training, and the way he encouraged others to give their best.
The Helpmekaar rugby programme, known for its strong tradition and values of discipline and brotherhood, feels his absence keenly, yet his example of commitment and sportsmanship will continue to guide younger players. The Johannesburg school and rugby community have united in grief, with tributes highlighting the bright future he represented and the positive influence he had during his time at Helpmekaar.
The Helpmekaar Kollege community, his family, close friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and the wider Johannesburg rugby and school circles now navigate this deep grief together. They hold tightly to the memories of his bright spirit, his leadership, and the joy he brought to those around him. As they honour his life, they draw strength from the example he set of living fully and caring deeply for others.
