Ex-EP stalwart Kondile lived his life with courage

MTHETHELELI Kondile’s cousin, Pat Kondile, has described the former EP player as a gentle giant on and off the field, who would have played for the national team if it wasn’t for the Apartheid regime.

Kondile said Mthetheleli, who was affectionately known as Teddy, Walker and Pine Tree because of his height, died early as he was 58 years of age, but they would always cherish the moments they spent with him.

“He was a gentle guy even though he stood over 1.9 metres, and that could seem threatening but he was a very kind hearted person and we’ll remember him as a good fellow.

“He also had health problems that stopped him from finishing his degree and his rugby career but he’s not one for complaining and lamenting and blaming people for his misfortunes because I never heard him complain.”

The rugby stalwart passed away at his home in Butterworth, but will be buried at his parent’s home in Port Elizabeth today.

His cousin said Mthetheleli took after his father Dumile Kondile, who is now a retired judge.

“His father was a black Springbok in his playing days for Eastern RFC and at University of Fort Hare, alongside his brothers, who were struggle fighters – Sizwe and the charismatic Mzingisi ‘Tower Major’ Kondile.

“They made a formidable trio for Eastern RFC and Kwaru, the KwaZakhele Rugby Union that was groundbreaking and politically shook the racist rugby of the Eastern Cape especially and Western Cape. He went on to represent Saru as a lock forward.”

Mthetheli played for Kwaru Colts before he went on to play for their senior team. After passing matric he went to Fort Hare.

“Unfortunately in the early 80s whilst at Fort Hare he became ill, did not finish his studies and moved to the Transkei to be taken care of by his mother, but when he was well he would play rugby.

“He then played for Winter Rose in East London but the Transkei Rugby Union 'stole' him and he started playing for the Comrades RFC in Butterworth.

“When it became apparent that he could no longer play he became a sport ambassador and through the Mass Participation Programme (MPP) to keep his love for rugby alive.”