The Western Province Rugby Football Union will hold a memorial service in honour of the late Reverend Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile, at 19h00, on Tuesday 23 August 2016, at the St. Saviours Anglican Church in Claremont.

Reverend Stofile passed away peacefully on 15 August 2016, at his home in Alice in the Eastern Cape, at the age of 71.

The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula will deliver the keynote address, and various dignitaries such as the President of SASCOC, Mr Gideon Sam, the acting President of SARU, Mr Mark Alexander and former Presidents of SARU, Mr Silas Nkanunu, Mr Brian van Rooyen and Mr Oregan Hoskins have all confirmed their attendance.

As a rugby administrator, Reverend Stofile made a huge contribution to the game of rugby, serving as a provincial and national sports administrator for more than 20 years. He represented the Victoria East Rugby Union, the South Eastern District Rugby Union, and also served as Vice-President of the South African Rugby Union.

As a rugby player himself, Reverend Stofile started playing in high school and went on to represent the University of Fort Hare. He also represented Border (at provincial level) in the late 1960’s and contributed hugely as a player and as a coach.

Reverend Stofile served as Minister of Sport and Recreation from 2004 to 2010 and at the time of his passing he was serving South Africa as Ambassador to Germany.