- St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton announced the tragic passing of matric learner Reneiloe Monkhi on 15 October 2026
- The school remembered Rene as loyal, kind and full of warmth, describing her as a vibrant and dignified young woman
- Schools across the Pietermaritzburg region rallied around the St Anne's community with an outpouring of condolences
Source: Facebook
St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, is grieving the loss of matric learner Reneiloe Monkhi, who passed away tragically. The college shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, on 15 October 2026, asking the broader community to hold Rene's family close during an unimaginably painful time.
The school described Rene as someone who left a lasting impression on everyone around her. The college wrote:
"Rene was greatly appreciated for her loyalty, care and kindness towards others. Her gentle nature was complemented by her sense of humour and vibrant spark. She was poised, beautifully elegant and dignified."
The post ended with a tribute that captured how deeply she was loved:
"Forever a Lady in Blue, Rene."
A community united in grief
News of Rene's passing moved well beyond the gates of St Anne's. Schools from across the Pietermaritzburg region came forward to offer their support, with several institutions sharing formal messages of condolence.
Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School, Maritzburg College, Hilton College, Thomas More College, Russell High School and Roedean School South Africa all responded publicly, each acknowledging the weight of losing a young life full of potential.
View the Facebook post below:
Schools and community members pay their respects
The response on the page from neighbouring schools reflected how deeply the loss was felt across the wider education community:
Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School wrote:
"The loss of a young life, filled with promise, potential and dreams yet to be realised, is a heartbreak that is felt far beyond the walls of a school. We stand alongside you in grief and remembrance."
Maritzburg College said:
"May they find comfort in the love that surrounds them, strength in one another, and peace in the precious memories they will forever carry in their hearts. Rest peacefully, Rene."
Hilton College shared:
"We grieve alongside you as you mourn this devastating loss and hold you in our prayers during this very tragic time."
Russell High School added:
"We stand in solidarity with St Anne's Diocesan College during this time of profound sadness, holding them all in our thoughts and prayers."
Roedean School South Africa wrote:
"May you find strength in one another, comfort in the memories you shared, and peace in knowing her life touched so many hearts."
Beverley Dias said:
"Our babies are going through so much in silence. I pray that she is at peace and her parents heal from this massive loss. My heart breaks every time I see a young life ended so abruptly. Rest peacefully, Rene."
Rene's family, friends and the entire St Anne's community remain in the thoughts of many as they navigate the days ahead.
More Briefly News stories on young loss
- Hoërskool Stoffberg in Mpumalanga is mourning matric learner Francois Marais after the school announced his passing, prompting an outpouring of condolences.
- A 14-year-old Grade 9 learner died at his school’s matric farewell dance in De Doorns, leaving his mother, siblings, and his community heartbroken.
- St Patrick’s College in Kokstad honours learner Ethan and asks for prayers for his father Richard as many condolences pour in for the Ingram and Dorning families.
Source: Briefly News
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