Dear Students and Staff,

Renier de Villiers, a BMus IV student in the Department of Music, passed away on Sunday 18 November 2018. Renier was born 6 May 1995, and joined the University of Pretoria in 2015 as a first-year BMus student. He was also a resident of House TAU (Boekenhout) on the Hillcrest campus.

From his first year it was evident that Renier was a diligent, hard-working and intelligent student with an impressive work ethic. His contributions in class were insightful as he shared his perspectives on musicianship, experiences as a visually impaired musician, humanity, spirituality, and life in general. Renier was a kind, gentle and caring soul, always ready with a smile. His positive attitude and determination to succeed was inspiring to all, showing what can be accomplished with a dream and a will to achieve. He freely shared his compositions with his fellow students, making it clear that music-making came from his heart. 

The Disability Unit also recognises his contribution in promoting awareness of students with disabilities in the academic and residence environment. Renier was an executive member of the UP society for students with disabilities (BOLD).  Renier also took it upon himself to complete a leadership training course through the Department of Student Affairs. 

Please join us in expressing our deepest sympathies to the De Villiers family and Renier’s friends and fellow students. On behalf of the Faculty, House Tau and the Disability Unit, we express our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We will all miss him dearly.

Funeral details:

Date: 23 November 2018
Time: 11:00
Venue: The Upper Room, Wessel Du Bruyn Ministeries, 32^nd Street Olifantsfontein, Pretoria

Department of Music Memorial: 

Date: 29 November 2018
Time: 10:00-11:00
Venue: UP Chapel, University of Pretoria, Hatfield Campus

Sincerely,
Department of Music, House Tau and Department of Student Affairs: Disability Unit