A memorial commemorating the legacy of those who died when a Netcare 911 emergency helicopter crashed last year was unveiled in a poignant and private ceremony on February 24.
The ceremony was held at the site of the crash, near Winterton in KwaZulu-Natal. More than 100 family members and close friends from across the country attended the memorial to lay wreaths at the site and speak in loving memory of their loved ones.
READ: Netcare helicopter crashes near Ladysmith, killing all aboard
Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive of Netcare, said the company secured two hectares of land to preserve the site and design a memorial in a respectful and inclusive manner, ensuring that all families were consulted and their guidance sought.
“We recognise the great significance of this site for the families, and this permanent memorial will remain here for the families and loved ones whenever they wish to visit. This space is sacred to the memory of our fallen heroes.
“We have erected this memorial in order to remember and to reflect on the exceptional lives of these individuals, bearing witness to the extraordinary contribution they each made in their own unique way. This space, this memorial, stands as a significant, and eternal symbol and reminder to all of us that these individuals lived and died as heroes,” Dr Friedland added.
“This horrific tragedy occurred during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when healthcare workers across our country stood on the front-lines. Their remarkable bravery and sacrifices are not forgotten. In Netcare alone, 75 front-line heroes lost their lives answering the highest call in the service of humanity. To recognise and pay tribute to all healthcare workers across all sectors in South Africa, both in the private and public sectors, and with the permission of the families, they too have been included in the memorial,” Dr Friedland concluded.
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