South African Rugby announced on Thursday that Hendricks had passed away at the age of 37 due to a heart attack. A host of former team-mates have paid tribute to the 12-Test winger, who scored five tries for the Springboks.
"RIP my brother you were one special human being inside and out," Kolbe said on social media.
Beast Mtawarira said: "This cuts deep. Gone way too soon."
Hendricks played his first Test for South Africa in June 2014, scoring a try against Wales on debut. His most famous try in the green and gold came against the All Blacks in Wellington later that year, when he took a brilliant line to cut inside the defence and score under the posts.
Handre Pollard provided the inside ball to Hendricks for that try, and on Thursday posted a picture of himself and Hendricks with the caption "RIP my brother".
Hendricks had retired from rugby on medical grounds in 2015, but in 2019 made his comeback by signing for the Bulls, where he impressed until leaving Loftus Versfeld at the end of last year. Jake White, Hendricks' coach in Pretoria, said rugby had "lost one of the good ones".
"When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby," White said.
"We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage," he adds.
"It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today."
Edgar Rathbone, the Bulls' chief executive, described the former winger as a "special player who defied all the odds".
"We are deeply saddened and still trying to come to terms with the passing of Cornal, a loved member of the Loftus family who was more than a talented player," Rathbone said.
"He knew how to deliver just about the right dose of energy to help lift a room, he was an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room.
"A brother, a son and an inspiration to both the old and young. A man with such an infectious smile that brightened our world, and above all, we knew Cornal as a proud dad to his young kids.
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children and everyone else who is affected by his untimely and tragic death. A special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace."
Mark Alexander, the president of SA Rugby, also paid tribute to the former Blitzboks star.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction," Alexander said.
"Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect. His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him.
"His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
"May his legacy continue to inspire future generations."