"A Great Loss": Hoërskool Stoffberg Mourns Matric Learner Francois Marais

• Hoërskool Stoffberg announced the passing of matric learner Francois Marais with deep sadness
• The school shared its condolences with Francois's family and friends during the difficult time
• The news moved many South Africans, with community members expressing their grief online

Hoërskool Stoffberg in Gauteng is mourning the loss of one of its own. The school announced on 24 September 2026 that matric learner Francois Marais had passed away, sharing the heartbreaking news with the wider community on Facebook.

The timing made the loss feel even more painful. Francois was in his final year of school, with just one semester standing between him and the end of his matric journey. The school described his passing as "a great loss" and extended its sincere condolences to his family and friends.

In its post, the school wrote:

"Dit is met groot hartseer dat ons verneem van die afsterwe van ons matrikulant, Francois Marais." (It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our matric learner, Francois Marais.)

Read also

"Cutting onions": Boy’s birthday wish comes true as dad returns from overseas for surprise reunion

Hoërskool Stoffberg added that it mourns alongside everyone touched by the loss and holds them in its thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

View the Facebook post below:

Mzansi mourns Francois Marais

The announcement on the page drew an outpouring of grief from people across the community. Many could not find the words, while others leaned on prayer and shared memories of the young man.

@Maria Groenewald Huyser wrote:

"Ai seuna ek het nie woorde nie. Dit breek mens se hart veral nou met die laaste semester van matriek. Ouers so jammer vir jul verlies. Ek treur saam. Dis hartverskeurend. RIV jongeling." (Oh boy, I have no words. It breaks one's heart, especially now in the final semester of matric. Parents, I am so sorry for your loss. I mourn alongside you. It is heartbreaking. Rest in peace, young one.)

@Angelina Nolte said:

Read also

"You're funny": Comedian shares satirical skit about Afrikaner refugee family turned back in the US

"Lief vir Jou my liefie...ek gaan n leeftyd na jou verlang." (Love you, my darling... I will miss you for a lifetime.)

@Marinda Fivaz shared:

"Ag Here, beskerm ons jongmense asb. Dit is so hartseer om te lees. Baie sterkte aan die ouers." (Oh Lord, please protect our young people. It is so sad to read. Strength to the parents.)

@Patsy Morton said:

"RIP may all God's blessings be with family and friends."

@Anina Bamberger Boshoff wrote:

"So jammer om te hoor." (So sorry to hear.)

More Briefly News stories on loss

• Mpumelelo Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal announced the death of one of its young learners, leaving the school community and South Africans mourning.
• Paul Roos Gymnasium is mourning the passing of 15-year-old Grade 9 learner Nico Caine after the school shared a heartfelt tribute.
• Wynberg Boys’ High School is mourning former Headmaster Keith Richardson, who spent four decades at the Cape Town school and led it for 16 years.

Source: Briefly News