By Terr-Liza Fortein
Former Arts and Culture MEC Patrick McKenzie watched in horror as doctors at N1 City Hospital declared his son dead after he collapsed during a rugby match on Saturday.
Immanuel McKenzie, 26, complained of chest pain before he was taken off in the last few minutes of a Super League A game between Tygerberg and Hamilton rugby clubs.
Patrick McKenzie said he felt "completely helpless" as he watched his son die at the hospital.
"There's nothing you can do. Not technology or anything could bring him back. If your time is up, it is up."
McKenzie said he was trying to remain calm and in control during this difficult time to support the rest of his family.
"Immanuel was the greatest gift any family could ask for," McKenzie said.
Angus McKenzie, 23, Immanuel McKenzie's brother, said he had not only lost a brother but also his best friend.
On Saturday afternoon, Immanuel McKenzie's father, brother and younger sister Liezel watched him play at the Florida Park rugby field.
"I saw him collapse and I just ran on to the field," Angus McKenzie said.
It was Immanuel McKenzie's first match for his old team Tygerberg after playing for the University of Cape Town.
Tygerberg Rugby Club president Peter Jooste said McKenzie had played one of his best games on Saturday and had scored a try which helped his team to beat Hamiltons 33-24.
Angus McKenzie, who also plays rugby for Tygerberg, said his brother's death would not stop him from playing. "Rugby is a great sport and I don't think rugby killed my brother," he said.
The cause of McKenzie's death has not yet been determined, but Tim Noakes, Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at UCT, said judging from media reports it appeared as if Immanuel had died of heart complications.
"It looks like this is a heart condition which is likely to have some hereditary basis. If he never had complaints before, it could possibly have gone undetected."
Noakes added that the costs involved in screening every rugby player for heart conditions would be enormous, but recommended that rugby players experiencing chest pain or other problems have it checked out.
On Sunday, the McKenzie home in Granger Bay was abuzz as politicians, friends and family dropped in to pay their respects. ANC provincial secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha and Premier Ebrahim Rasool were among those who came to offer their support.
Patrick McKenzie's wife, Carol McKenzie, who was visiting the couple's eldest son in London, returned home on Sunday.
Immanuel McKenzie's funeral will take place at 9am on Saturday at the Good Hope Christian Centre in Ottery.