Professor Wilbur Kraak
Condolences poured in at the weekend following the sudden death of Professor Wilbur Kraak, a distinguished Sport Science professor at UWC, an extraordinary professor at the University of the Free State, a high-performance consultant, rugby analyst and life coach.
Professor Barry Andrews said even though Kraak joined UWC in the fourth term of 2023, he made a huge impact in the short time he was at the university.
“During Wilbur’s time at UWC, he became a valued member of staff and a mentor to all of our students.
“He not only worked well with staff and students at the Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science Department, but also engaged in one of his passions of working and uplifting sports teams,” said Andrews.
“This was achieved in his spare time by volunteering at UWC Sports Administration, assisting with rugby and other high performance sports.
Wilbur excelled in furthering research and education of sport at UWC as he presented at workshops and talks within the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences and internationally under the UWC banner.
“He was an ambassador for UWC and the student residence department, engaging in numerous radio and TV interviews for the university.”
Rector and vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius said he was shocked to learn of Kraak’s passing.
“He was a passionate, enthusiastic and eager person who will be really missed and his short time with us will leave a footprint – not only on his students and staff but all that were privileged to have been enriched by his love, energy and presence at UWC.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young family at this time,” Pretorius said.
WJK Coaching, which Kraak founded, said his passing was a great loss to the WJK family and the wider community.
The Division of Sport Science at Stellenbosch University said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and two children during this time of mourning.
Professor Kraak has left behind a legacy and we will miss him dearly.
He has touched every student’s heart at our department and UWC.”
Cape Times
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