Graaff-Reinet community hit hard by much-loved teacher’s death
There has been a huge outpouring of condolences following the death of much-loved Hoër Volkskool teacher and father of three Wikus Pretorius.
Pretorius’s wife, Elmarie, and his extended family have been flooded with messages of support from the GraaffReinet and broader community after the 39-year-old lost his battle with Covid-19 on July 28.
Those who sympathised also encouraged his pupils, of whom Pretorius was very fond, to remain strong during their time of grief.
Kosie van Schalkwyk of the Volkskool Oudskoliere described Pretorius as an exceptional human being, father, mentor, coach and friend.
Addressing Pretorius’s parents, Johan and Ria, he said they could be proud of the man they had raised.
The School Governing Body said Pretorius would be sorely missed and had left a lasting impression on the pupils whose lives he had touched at the primary and high school.
They said he would be remembered as the proud father who spent Saturdays next to the sports field with his family while encouraging the Volkskool rugby teams.
Hoër Volkskool principal Theo Dörfling said they were saddened at having to bid Pretorius farewell.
“Wikus Pretorius crept deep into our hearts as a pupil and then as a teacher at the school.
“His people skills and his sense of humour are part of what made him such a loving person.”
Dörfling said Pretorius had excelled as a teacher and described him as a beacon of light at the school.
Head girl Mia du Plessis said Pretorius was always there for everyone and they knew they could call on him when a problem presented itself.
“He was a joyful person with the biggest and most caring of hearts.
“We learnt so much from him and will miss him dearly,” she said.
Pretorius joined the school as a teacher on August 1 2015.
In recent years, he coached the under-15 rugby and cricket teams.
In 2021, he became involved with coaching the under-14 rugby team and athletics, including discus.
He was the grade 10 to 12 tourism teacher and the social sciences teacher to the grade 8 and 9 classes.
A memorial service will be held at the school today.