Affies Mourn Matric Athlete Ruben Bezuidenhout After Brave Battle With Brain Tumour

• Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool is mourning the loss of talented matric athlete Ruben Bezuidenhout, who died after battling a brain tumour
• Ruben Bezuidenhout’s passing has deeply affected the wider community, with schools, parents and fellow pupils paying tribute
• The young sports star’s courage and determination have left a lasting impression on the Affies community and beyond

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, also known as Affies, a school in Lynnwood, Pretoria, is mourning the death of one of its talented schoolboys, a sports star and athlete, Ruben Bezuidenhout.

Bezuidenhout passed away this past week after a courageous battle with a brain tumour, which he was diagnosed with in December 2025. Despite his illness, he remained closely involved in school life and continued to embody its sporting spirit. The school described him as a passionate athlete who had recently taken up boxing.

The 17-year-old matriculant was known for his achievements in athletics, particularly javelin, where he represented his school and set records before his illness.

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Affies pay tribute to talented young boxer

The school posted an emotional statement on social media on Saturday, 28 March, announcing his passing:

“IN MEMORIAM

It is with sadness that we learned of the death of Ruben Bezuidenhout in matric.

Ruben was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumour in December 2025. Ruben was a passionate athlete and, shortly before his diagnosis, also began to show his punch in the boxing ring. Even though he could not physically sit in the school benches during his matric year, he remained a true Affie in spirit, someone who bravely held on until the end.

Affies expresses its deepest sympathy to Ruben's parents, family and his friends.”

See the post below on Facebook:

South African school sports community reacts to tragic loss

His passing has been met with widespread grief, with fellow schools that competed against Affies sharing messages of support.

Hoërskool Zwartkop wrote:

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, teachers and the entire Affies community at this difficult time. May you find strength and consolation in each other and in the beautiful memories he leaves behind.”

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Paarl Boys' High School added:

“The Paarl Boys School is thinking of you during this sad time.”

As seen in the Instagram post below:

Tributes also poured in from members of the public, expressing condolences and support for the grieving family.

@vicky_visagie: '

'Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Paul Roos Gym parent.''

See the post below:

@Drieka du Preez:

''My heart hurts with the loved ones of this young boy, may the Lord's presence comfort you. Good luck!''

@Kinnie Veldsman:

''How sad. A young life ended so early! Strength to the parents and other loved ones in their grief.''

The loss adds to a growing list of tragic deaths involving schoolboy athletes in recent years. The passing of Kungawo Booi in Gqeberha in 2025 also shook the country, as did the death of a Johannesburg schoolboy rugby player, Jude Stewart.

South African schools remain key pillars in developing young sporting talent, often serving as pathways to national teams such as the Springboks.

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Briefly News previously reported that heartbreaking news emerged from Pongola Akademie in KwaZulu-Natal, after a promising young schoolboy rugby star, Jayden Duvenhage, suffered a major setback in his sporting career.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News