A former South African Schools captain, Ntunja represented the Cheetahs, and was part of their 2005 Currie Cup winning side, before turning his hand to the media, most notably as a Xhosa commentator with SuperSport.
His sister Tando, who shared the news via social media, saying his family were stunned by his untimely death.
"It is with deep sadness I confirm the passing of our beloved brother Kaunda Ntunja, earlier today in East London, Eastern Cape," Tando Ntunja wrote. "As you can imagine, we still trying to make sense of this tragic news and we ask for your love, care and discretion as we