Covid-19: Numbers become faces….
Families share their tributes to loved ones lost to Covid-19.
THE Covid-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on South Africans from all walks of life.
According to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, more than 41 000 citizens have lost their lives to the novel coronavirus.
However, behind the statistics lies the very real suffering and anguish of those who mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Families have shared their tributes to their loved ones in this feature where we remember those we’ve lost to Covid-19.
Praba Naidoo – A registered nurse at Life Westville Hospital.
She passed away on Wednesday, 6 January 2021. Naidoo evolved in her nursing profession from a ward attendant to obtaining her degree as a Registered Nurse and Midwife with a career spanning more than 35 years in the nursing profession. She worked at Life Chatsmed Garden Hospital, Life the Crompton Hospital and Life Westville Hospital, a total of 29 years of service to these three hospitals. Her passion for helping others extended to the church and the community that she served. Her colleagues describe her as a bubbly and joyous passionate nurse who exemplified the highest standards of integrity, morality and fairness. She is fondly remembered for her wicked sense of humour, which was appreciated by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by all her colleagues who knew her and worked with her.
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Renata Cloete (52) – Luganda, Pinetown.
She was born on 29 October 1969. Cloete passed away on 24 January 2021 after she was in ICU for 25 days. She fought hard, portraying her true strength and courage. “You taught us everything there is to know about life, most importantly how to love unconditionally. You were love personified, the kind of motherly love that knows no boundaries. Regardless of that, you forgot to teach us how to live this life without. When the memories hit hard, I’m reminded that my new reality is without you and each and every day I have to carry that load. As daunting as it is that Covid-19 took you away from us, you will always remain in our hearts. Rest in eternal peace my first love. We miss you already but we know you are watching over us.” Daughters – Bongiwe Tracey Tsinde and Amanda Cloete.
Dayanand (Dice) Singh (70) – Queensburgh.
He was born on 9 September 1950 and passed away on 27 December 2020. Singh was a generous and giving man. He will be remembered for his special and caring heart. He is sorely and deeply missed by his two daughters, two grandchildren, son-in-law, brother, sisters and the rest of our family. “He was a remarkable and humble man who always put the needs of others before his own. He was a good man who worked really hard to provide for his family, he gave us the very best. We are proud and honoured to have loved him and to be loved by him. He was a true legend and our hero and these words underestimate the dynamic man he was. His love and care for others was like no other. We really counted on my dad, he was always there ready to help, he was the most reliable person. We have no words to express how much we miss him and the only comfort we have is knowing that he is reunited with our mum whom he missed dearly.” Daughter- Alesha Singh.
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Thandazile Mildred Sibisi (48) – Ashley, Pinetown.
Sibisi was born on 31 March 1972. She passed away on 12 January 2021. “My sister and I were very close. She and our mother, who also passed away due to Covid-19, had a very special place in my heart. They were both family orientated and sacrificed a lot for the sake of family. They were loving people who always persevered and pushed forward to achieve their goal. They always put others first. They will be sorely missed. We find comfort in the fact that we will see them in heaven one day.
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Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
