A former Gqeberha man, who was a volunteer combat medic in Ukraine, died on the frontline of the war at the end of June.
Peter ‘Hasta La Vista’ Fouché (49), was born in South Africa and went to school in Bluewater Bay. He moved to London and became a British citizen almost 20 years ago.
He was the director and founder of Project Konstantin – a charity whose mission is to support the Ukrainian armed forces by providing casualty evacuations for soldiers, delivering vehicles, and other vital supplies to the armed forces while also offering medical training.
In a video he made of himself on the day of his death, he sent a message to his mother, Rose (87). In the video, shots and explosions can be heard in the background while Fouché films himself. In the video, Fouché said to his mother: “For me, you are everything, you are my heroine. I love you, Mom, your son, Pete.”
Project Konstantin said in a statement on X (Twitter) that “Pete was more than a leader; he was a beacon of hope, a true hero, and a friend to all. His wisdom, compassion, and faith in God inspired us every day.
“Pete’s unwavering dedication, endless compassion, and relentless commitment to Ukraine and her people have left an everlasting impact on the countless lives he touched. His heroism knew no bounds. He was actively involved in saving more than 200 wounded Ukrainian soldiers and evacuating civilians from the most dangerous frontline cities, as well as bringing humanitarian aid to people in those towns and cities.
“Pete’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger were nothing short of extraordinary, and his actions will forever be etched in our hearts,” the statement read.
“We will honour Pete’s memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about, carrying forward his legacy of courage and kindness, of fighting for what is right, and of speaking up in the face of injustice.”
Fouché’s sister, Sally, who lives in London, told Netwerk24 that the gruesome death of children in the war drove him to get involved as he had a daughter of his own. Project Konstantin was established in 2022 aimed at raising awareness of what is happening in Ukraine and to raise funds for people affected by the war. “Peter was a man with a very big heart, very brave and wanted to help in every possible way,” said Sally.
According to Sally, Fouché spent a large part of his life in Bluewater Bay, Gqeberha. He was a former student of St Augustine Primary School and Trinity High School.
Sally told Netwerk24 that their family is overwhelmed, but also knows he would have wanted the attention on the conflict in Ukraine. “He made a huge impact in Ukraine. An outpouring of love came from many corners of the world to him because his humour, passion, and stance on Ukraine touched so many people.”
