Campaign launched to raise funds for SA teacher detained in Wuhan
· The South African
The family of South African teacher Francois Van Zyl de Kock has launched a public fundraising campaign to raise R2.2 million in compensation sought by the family of a Chinese woman who died following a traffic incident in Wuhan in August 2025.
According to a Go Get Funding fundraising campaign, relatives said Van Zyl de Kock, originally from Vanderbijlpark, has been detained in the Chinese city for three months after being arrested in connection with the incident.
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The family said he had recently relocated to the city to expand his teaching career and pursue rugby coaching opportunities.
Incident Under Investigation
According to the statement, the incident occurred on a rainy evening while Van Zyl de Kock was riding his scooter back to his apartment.
“He was unaware that any serious accident had occurred. According to later police reports, it is alleged that his scooter made contact with an elderly woman who suddenly ran into the road from in front of a bus. Sadly, she later passed away,” the family said.
The family claims he believed he had not made contact due to poor visibility and only became aware of the incident when he was arrested two days later.
Prosecutors have reportedly proposed a prison sentence of between three and four years. The family said he is cooperating fully with authorities and is represented by two lawyers in China.
Fundraising Effort
Describing themselves as a middle-class family unable to afford the compensation amount, Van Zyl de Kock’s relatives have launched what they describe as a legally structured promotional competition to raise funds.
For every R100 donated, contributors receive one entry into a draw to win an artwork by late South African artist Frans Claerhout.
The painting, from the family’s private collection, is valued at between R55 000 and R80 000.
A free entry option is available in line with legal requirements.
“To help raise funds, we are hosting a legally structured promotional competition. For every R100 donated, you will receive one entry into a draw to win an original Frans Claerhout painting from our family collection,” the family said.
As at the time of publication, the campaign had raised $1 531 (R24 500) from 23 donors.
The case remains before the Chinese legal system.