"Very Very Sad": Ferdinand Postma High School Mourns Death of Learner Ruan Oberholzer
- Ferdinand Postma High School in North West shared a heartfelt tribute to learner Ruan Oberholzer on 4 September 2026
- The school described Ruan as a beloved member of the Ferdie family whose memory will live on among friends and teachers
- South Africans responded with an outpouring of grief, with one parent revealing his own family suffered a similar loss at the same school
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Facebook
Ferdinand Postma High School in Potchefstroom paid tribute to one of its own on 4 September 2026. The school announced the passing of learner Ruan Oberholzer in a post shared on its official Facebook page, sending shockwaves through the school community.
The message described Ruan as a cherished part of the "Ferdie family" and acknowledged the void his passing leaves behind. The school extended its condolences to the Oberholzer family and asked for prayers of strength and comfort during this painful time.
A School community in mourning
The tribute leaned on scripture for comfort, citing Philippians 4:7:
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The cause of Ruan's death was not disclosed. No further details were shared publicly by Ferdinand Postma High School.
View the Facebook post below:
South Africa responds with heavy hearts
The post drew an emotional response from parents, former pupils and members of the public on the page:
Jaco Vaniplaas said:
"Last year, in October, we also had our son who was in Ferdies Gr8 to death... I have no words."
Simmy Mabaso wrote:
"I'm so scared as to how we are losing young people. Lord 2026, why, rest well, young man en sterkte aan familie [strength to the family]."
Leon van Dyk shared:
"Very, very sad! Good luck to the family, school staff and fellow scholars!"
Chantel Reyneke wrote:
"May God's strength carry you in a time when no parent can be comforted. We pray for you; our hearts are broken with you."
More Briefly News stories on loss
- A KwaZulu-Natal school community is mourning the death of a young learner, leaving teachers, classmates and South Africans heartbroken.
- Acacia Primary School is grieving the death of learner Omuhle Siyamthanda Khumalo, remembered for her kindness and joyful spirit.
- Citrusdal is mourning 10-year-old learner Kendrick Titus, who drowned in the Olifants River.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
