Watch memorial of a true community hero, Takis Michalakis

The Midrand Sector 4 Community Forum (SCF) honours the memory of Kylami resident and community pillar Takis Michalakis.

The community is reeling after the news of his sudden passing on February 2. Michalakis met up with friends and fellow Sector Community Forum members for a morning cycle but in a devastating turn of events, he collapsed from an apparent heart attack.

Read more: In tribute: True pillar of the community, Takis, passes away

To all who met him, he was known as a fierce protector of the community and an incredible role model. He has played a pivotal role not only in his local community but in the greater Fourways and Midrand community.

Michalakis leaves behind his wife Carol, and four daughters – Natalya, Markella, Gabriella and Dimitra.

‘He will continue to be an inspiration’

Written by Trevor Ferguson (son-in-law) on behalf of Takis’ wife Carol and daughters (Natalya, Markella, Gabriella and Dimitra):

In this day and age, role models are few and far between, let alone those capable of upholding more than one community with their exceptionally high moral standings, dedication to cause, and sheer resilience.

Takis epitomised being a strong family man. Every day without fail, he woke up with the goal of giving his family everything he believe they deserved, which was the world.

To this end, he built three businesses from the ground up, he joined and rapidly rose through the ranks of the CPF, all while taking the time to help those around him to be the best versions of themselves. There are many fathers, but not a lot of Dads like this.

Takis’ family was everything to him and he relished every opportunity to spend time with and appreciate them. He encouraged each of us to get healthy, try new things, and rise to the challenges given by life.

He brought us all together and no matter what, like the superhero he was, he was there for any of us who needed him.

When taking the time to empower those around him, his belief in achieving greatness through others meant that this humble man not only helped individuals to grow but enabled them to pay it forward and help others.

This principle is the cornerstone of his management philosophy and, coupled with his insistence on absolute fairness, meant that Takis will always be held in the highest regard by his colleagues.

Takis was and will continue to be an inspiration to everyone whose lives he touched, all of whom were undoubtedly made better for it. His strategy, intelligence, and perseverance will leave a legacy that will carry us on his wings into the future.

Midrand Police Station sends heartfelt condolences to the family

The Midrand Police Station’s commander, Brigadier David Tsotsotso has sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of Takis Michalakis.

Brigadier David Tsotsotso expressed sadness following the death of Michalakis who played a huge role in eradicating crime within the Midrand community.

He said Michalakis would help mobilise the community and other role players to fight crime. “The man would go an extra mile using his resources to fight crime and sponsor the team building that built up the morale of members to remain positive in fighting crime,” said Tsotsotso.

“He has initiated so many projects such as those of getting vehicles, which could not be executed due to his break in the CPF,” he added.

Tsotsotso said one project of Michalakis that stood out was when he would use his horses together with other community members’ in SCF Sector 4 to patrol the area to address crime.

 “After he took a break from the CPF, he was still involved and engaging with the community and other role players and he was a cheerful giver with an open heart. As the Midrand SAPS, we have lost a very patriotic person and his absence will be felt each and every day. We wish the Michalakis family strength to help them deal with their loss.”

On behalf of the Midrand Police Station, Tsotsotso said that management and members would like to bid farewell and send their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he concluded.

Locals share tributes for Takis Michalakis

Anton van Niekerk of Midrand Sector 4 Crime Forum of the CPF writes:

Takis turned the Sector 4 Crime Forum of the Midrand Community Police Forum (CPF) into one of the best performing sectors in Midrand.

He also served as the vicechairman for the Midrand CPF for some years and helped to shape and guide it into an efficient and well-functioning service.

He then realised to have an even greater impact, he needed to serve even higher and he was voted in as the chairman of the Johannesburg North Cluster Community Police Board.

These commitments, to serve in such a great capacity, he excelled at and he ensured that the highest standards were met.

At the same time, he worked tirelessly in his community through the ratepayers’ associations and other organisations to ensure that people lived a safe life.

He went above and beyond to ensure that we as residents were safe and he drove initiatives and services such as fibre backbones to security cameras [his company Kiklo FTTx] to make sure we were as secure as possible.

He went even further to ensure his family, which he loved with all his heart, were looked after and cared for.

We lost a friend, a compatriot and a great man today. Our hearts go out to the Michalakis family who lost a husband and a father. May his soul rest in peace.

Stephen Beaton writes:

When I first met Takis it was for a job interview with his company, Kiklo FTTx.

I had no work experience but Takis thought it fit to give me a chance. I worked closely with him and his family during my time at Kiklo.

All these years later, I still reflect on the opportunity he gave me, he set me on the trajectory I am on now. I know without a shadow of a doubt that if it were not for Takis, I would not be half the person I am today.

He taught me the fundamentals of ethics and how to deal with clients to make sure they are being heard, and their problems and concerns addressed.

To this day, I still carry the messages and lessons I learnt from him.

I often drive past the area and think back to the great times I had working there and working with this man.

He will be sorely missed and my sincerest heartfelt condolences go out to his children and wife Carol.

Daniella Graham, group editor of Caxton Local Media’s Joburg North branch, writes:

I met Takis early on in my career as a journalist for Fourways Review, and he – like so many in the Kyalami community – took me under his wing.

He introduced me to his family and proved to be an invaluable community member – not only for news tip-offs but as someone who taught me what it truly means to be an active citizen and to give selflessly.

I can think of countless stories I worked on with Takis over the years, from roadblocks to clearing snares, and even a night of searching for hedgehogs in Sun Valley.

Takis was always so helpful, always so caring and always ready to support local initiatives. He was a true hero in our community – and this is surely echoed by the many heartfelt tributes that have poured in for him.

I extend my sincere condolences to his family and to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

May we learn from the incredible example Takis set for us, continue his worthy community work and ensure his legacy lives on in our neighbourhoods.

The memorial service for Takis Michalakis takes place on February 9 at 15:00.