Ewie Cronje, former President of the Free State Cricket Union and father of ex-Proteas captain Hansie Cronje, died on Monday afternoon.

Ewie Cronje's son Frans confirmed the sad news.

Writing on social media, Frans said: My dad went to be with Lord at 2:05 pm this afternoon. He was at peace and we are so thankful for the full life he had and wonderful dad that he was. From my mom, my sister and me, thank you so much for all the wonderful messages of the last few months. We will not be able to answer phone calls today, but will read every Whats App and other message. With much love...

(We decided, due to Covid 19 not to have any funeral at this stage. We will notify friends and family of any future arrangements.)

Ewie Cronje was widely respected as an administrator and SuperSport Afrikaans commentator and tributes poured in as news of his death spread.

Cronje, who had been battling illness since early in 2020, is survived by his wife San-Marie, son Frans and daughter Hester Parsons.

Hansie Cronje tragically lost his life at age 32 in a plane crash in June 2002.

View this post on Instagram

My dad went to be with Lord at 2:05 pm this afternoon. He was at peace and we are so thankful for the full life he had and wonderful dad that he was. From my mom, my sister and me, thank you so much for all the wonderful messages of the last few months. We will not be able to answer phone calls today, but will read every Whats App and other message. With much love...

A post shared by Frans Cronje (@frans_cronje_films) on May 11, 2020 at 5:36am PDT

Sad day as oom Ewie Cronje passed away! #hemadeadifference #kovsies #freestate #cricket @franscronjefilm #hansie

— Franco Smith (@SmithrugbySmith) May 11, 2020

?????? R.I.P.?????? #EwieCronje - Condolences to the whole Cronje Family ?? @franscronjefilm @hesterparsons @gordonparsons52 Got to really know this LEGEND of a CRICKETING man whilst commentating with @SuperSportTV #Gentleman Go Well... pic.twitter.com/ZlrhxmoAAl

— Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) May 11, 2020

RIP Ewie Cronje. A great man from Bloemfontein has left us. Great servant of Cricket and a top class human being that played a huge role in my early development.
‘’Stil mense daar gaan ‘n man verby’’.

— The Niels Momberg I am who I am (@nielspm) May 11, 2020

Am truly saddened to hear of the passing away of Ewie Cronje. Fun moments shared in the Afrikaans commentary box for 5 years. His was one of welcoming voices & a genuine kind- hearted human being. Knowledgeable, kind & caring always. Thanks Sir. #RIP pic.twitter.com/XveYAimHzA

— Dev Govindjee (@DevMatchRef) May 11, 2020

Ewie cronje was one of the most special cricket administrators I met. What he did for free state cricket and there success under hansie was largely thanks to his efforts. Family can be so proud ??

— Terence Lazard (@TerenceLazard) May 11, 2020