My family and I suffered a tragic loss of the passing of my last living grandfather on July 15.
Due to this pandemic and government regulations, I was unable to be by his side during his final moments as he resided in the Western Cape.
I felt in my heart and soul I needed to say goodbye one last time. I knew the risks for Covid-19 and even though I have Asthma I was prepared to put my own life at risk just to be there.
I tried my very best to make a plan to be present at his memorial service which was on July 23.
I had gotten assistance from travel agencies, just to make sure that all procedures and protocols were followed, allowing me to fly from Gauteng to George Airport. After long processes, we managed to get a flight. I had to go to different police stations to get documents certified as half of them were closed due to positive Covid-19 cases.
After running around for almost a week to ensure we met all the regulations, we were ready to go say our final goodbyes. We paid R4 000 a ticket with no delay as the last time I saw my grandfather was November 2019.
The last time I could speak to my grandfather was on his birthday. Thereafter, he was just too sick. On July 22 evening, while packing my bag for the flight I got an email stating the following:
“Due to a delay in government processes, the re-opening of George Airport did not take place on 21 July 2020 as announced by the Minister of Transport on July 16, 2020.”
I am devastated, heartbroken and have no words to describe this feeling. I was not travelling for business, I was travelling to pay my respects.
So due to government delays, I was not able to attend my grandfather’s memorial and say goodbye. Due to the government delay, a granddaughter is not able to see her grandfather laid to rest.
If I knew this was going to happen I would have rather gotten into my car and driven 12 hours to hopefully be there in time. You have stripped me from saying goodbye.
My grandmother has no grandchildren there now to support her through this. All I can say is you have broken the heart of a young girl who just wanted to say goodbye to the man she looked up to.
I am so sorry Oupa, I truly wished I could be there to hold Ouma’s hand.
May you rest peacefully.
Broken hearted, Nicole
