“She Helped When I Had a Child”: Frans Du Toit High School’s Former HOD, Old Learners Pay Tribute

• An educator, Kerry-Ann Farmery-Reyneke, left a remarkable legacy of educational excellence
• She served Frans Du Toit High School for 19 years before transitioning to the Department of Education
• Reflecting on her professional milestones offered significant psychological comfort to the Phalaborwa community

The Frans du Toit community is mourning the loss of Kerry-Ann Farmery-Reyneke, a beloved former HOD, who passed away on 23 June 2026. Kerry-Ann was celebrated for being beautiful both inside and out, as she served her pupils and colleagues with incredible passion from 2004. Her passing was after her successful appointment as a Senior Education Specialist (SES) with the Department of Education in January 2023. Through her love for the English language, she touched the lives of countless learners and colleagues, leaving a lasting impact on all she met. There were no official reports regarding the cause of death.

Kerry-Ann joined the Frans du Toit High School family on 1 January 2004, embarking on a nineteen-year journey characterised by profound dedication and professionalism. In the psychology of grieving, the celebration of a deceased person’s achievements serves as a primary source of comfort to those in mourning. The tributes reflecting on her final career advancement to a senior specialist role left her community with a sense of enduring pride that serves to honour her memory. Read the post below:

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Frans Du Toit alumnus remembers former HOD

The public reaction to Kerry-Ann's passing proved her influence. The deep-rooted connection she maintained with her former school and the lasting impression she left on her community were obvious. Read the comments below:

DX Ndlovu said:

"Oh, she was an angel indeed. I remember when I had a child while in high school, she used to bring me baby clothes. She really supported me to the extent that I was able to rebuild myself. I never gave up on my studies because of her courage. Thank you angel,I’m so heartbroken."

Lungii Mathebula shared:

"I remember how I used to struggle with English HL, but when I reached grade 11, you made it look so easy, and you made sure we passed. Not me forgetting when you were reading the Othello drama, even today, I remember all the effort you made in class just for us to understand the drama. I'm so heartbroken, Mrs Reyneke. May your precious soul rest in peace."

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Doreen Selase Dokosi wrote:

"Oh no! My heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire Fransie community. I vividly remember when I suddenly found out I would be relocating back to my home country within a short time… she was one of the first people I told, and she was so worried about the negative impact it would have on my education that she even suggested I live with her till I completed Matric. I never forgot her kindness toward me in that moment."

Ankia Van Der Merwe said:

"I will never forget how much you loved Shakespeare. When you read a story about him, or speak about him, your face always used to light up in a way nobody can explain. Rest peacefully, Mrs Kerry, you will be missed."

Tineal E Silva was moved:

"Some teachers leave marks on your report card. Others leave marks on your life. Mrs Farmery-Reyneke did both. Almost 18 years later, I still remember the very first lesson she ever taught me. For three years, she taught me far more than just English. Her literature lessons were unforgettable."

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Other Briefly News stories about deaths

• The passing of a student from two prestigious schools left many South Africans touched as the Cape Town school community rallied in his memory.
• The death of a Northwood school learner also left many people on the internet upset following the announcement of his untimely death.
• Many people were touched by the death of a grade five learner following a terrible accident, but it claimed her life.

Source: Briefly News