{"id":297011,"date":"2026-04-28T10:38:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T08:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/?p=297011"},"modified":"2026-04-28T13:20:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:20:35","slug":"community-mourns-loss-of-dedicated-leader-and-traffic-officer-bertha-van-vuuren-fortuin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/community-mourns-loss-of-dedicated-leader-and-traffic-officer-bertha-van-vuuren-fortuin\/","title":{"rendered":"Community mourns loss of dedicated leader and traffic officer Bertha Van Vuuren Fortuin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HUMANSDORP<\/strong> – It is with deep sadness that the community mourns the passing of Bertha Beaulah Van Vuuren Fortuin, a remarkable woman remembered for her strength, dignity and unwavering commitment to service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Van Vuuren Fortuin was a devoted member of the School Governing Body at Graslaagte Full Service School, where she played a meaningful role in supporting the school and its broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was also a traffic officer within the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Described as a trusted and respected figure, Van Vuuren Fortuin’s presence left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As previously reported<\/a>, Van Vuuren Fortuin tragically lost her life following a head-on collision between a state vehicle she was driving and a long-distance bus on 27 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was declared dead at the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All occupants of the bus escaped unharmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a Facebook post, Graslaagte Full Service School in Humansdorp described Van Vuuren Fortuin as a remarkable woman, a pillar of strength, dignity, and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school said that she was not only a devoted member of their School Governing Body, but also a trusted and respected member of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the statement indicated that in her role as a Provincial Traffic Officer, she served with integrity, dedication, and pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Her presence brought warmth, her voice brought wisdom, and her actions reflected a life committed to uplifting others,” the school said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school further said that she left behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school said that her impact will forever be felt at the school and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day,” the school said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. She will always be remembered and cherished.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Van Vuuren Fortuin is survived by her husband and three daughters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ<\/strong>: MEC mourns traffic officer killed in N2 head-on crash near Jeffreys Bay<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Community mourns Bertha Van Vuuren Fortuin, a remarkable woman remembered for her strength, dignity and unwavering commitment to 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