GAUTENG. – Frans van den Bergh, better known as Fransie, from Springs, passed away on four November 2026 after becoming seriously ill due to complications following a sinus infection. He was treated in critical condition at Glenwood Hospital in Benoni after initial tests suggested meningitis.
According to his mother, Jeanine van den Bergh, he suffered two epileptic seizures among other complications. A neurosurgeon ultimately decided to treat him with antibiotics rather than performing surgery. Fransie's family shared the course of his illness and his fight for his life on the Facebookpage Pray for Frans with the public.
Fransie's passing took on a particularly moving turn after his parents decided to donate his organs. The decision means that six other children will have the possibility of a new chance at life.
His mother, Jeanine van den Bergh, posted on the Facebookpage Pray for Frans an emotional tribute to her son in which she shared the decision and what it means for their family. According to Jeanine, Fransie was someone with a special love for other people and a desire to make a difference in others' lives. Although the decision to donate his organs is extremely painful for the family, they find comfort in knowing that his life can make a difference to six other children in this way.
"Six children. Six new chances at life. One incredibly brave little boy," she wrote. She described her son as her hero and said she is incredibly proud of him. "You always wanted to make a difference in this world. And look now, my child… you are going to give six other children a chance at a future."
Fransie's story is one of loss, but also of hope and the possibility that other families, thanks to his parents' decision, can have a new future.
To watch the video recording at the hospital, click here.
FRANSIE, MAMMA'S HERO! 
Fransie always had an incredible love for the people around him. His heart was full of care, love and a desire to make a difference in others' lives.
And today our precious son gets the opportunity to do exactly that. 
As parents we have made the decision to donate Fransie's organs so that six other children can have a chance at life. 
Although our hearts are breaking into a million pieces, we find comfort in knowing that our son's love for others will live on even after he is gone.
My Fransie, you always wanted to make a difference in this world. And look now, my child… you are going to give six other children a chance at a future.
You are and will always be mamma's hero. 
Six children. Six new chances at life. One incredibly brave little boy.
I am so incredibly proud of you, my Fransie.
Mamma's hero. Forever my son. Forever in my heart.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
