Gert Smit has left behind a lasting legacy of justice
Gert Smit will be remembered as a community activist who fought hard for the rights of everyone.
Renowned Newcastle resident, Gert Smit passed away last week after a brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
During his lifetime, he was the driving force behind having the parking meters in Newcastle CBD removed and believed in fighting for justice for everyone.
In the Newcastle Advertiser this week (dated July 17), we pay tribute to this extraordinary man and highlight his journey from Zeerust to Newcastle.
Gert has left behind five daughters, two sons, 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and his beloved wife, Jeanette.
Daughter, Annalie Meyer, said her dad was ‘a force of a man’ who taught them to respect the law and other people.
The great parking meter fight
“My dad’s father was a magistrate and we used to joke that other children were raised with ABCs and 123, but we were raised with the rules and regulations of the law,” laughed an emotional Annalie.
She said her dad had a huge passion for the law.
“He started getting annoyed when he used to go to town and could not get the parking meters to work. He eventually decided to take on the Newcastle Municipality and won the court case,” she revealed.
Once the case was concluded, all the parking meters in town were removed.
“I remember how overjoyed he was when he won and he was even interviewed on two KykNet shows afterwards.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Humps or bumps – Gert wants them gone!
A love of sweets
According to Annalie, her dad enjoyed indulging in his favourite sweet treats of Liquorice Allsorts and condensed milk with ice cream.
“He also loved Portos, all baked goods and braaivleis. He ate tomatoes and cucumber with every single meal,” she recalled.
Serving his community
Above everything, Gert loved people and his community. During his lifetime, and tied in with his understanding of the law and justice, Gert worked as a reservist for the police.
“He was actively involved in things like drug busts with the local police and because he knew the law so well, he had a 91% success rate,” said Annalie. “We used to joke with him that he should have been a lawyer!”
RELATED ARTICLE: Paid parking toll is not ‘fine’
Annalie said that even though she is grieving, she was blessed to have been able to spend quality time with her dad before his passing.
“He died three weeks after he was first diagnosed. He was so strong and independent so I am thankful God spared him from suffering. He was an amazing father – an angel and my best friend. He was truly loved by all who knew him and lived each day to the fullest. He was only a month shy of his 81st birthday but was busy up until the last days. Our lives will never be the same again because his absence has left such a big void. We will miss him more than words can say.”
The Newcastle Advertiser extends its condolences to the family during this time.
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082Â 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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