The Benoni community came out in numbers to pass their condolences to the Scott family on June 25 by forming a convoy at the John Barrable Hall in memory of the CPF Sector One chairperson, Brandon Scott, and his wife Margaret.
Brandon’s stepson, Michael McGinn, confirmed Brandon died on June 23, 11 days after his mom died, both from Covid-19-related complications.
An estimated 350 cars and around 600 people were in attendance to pay tribute to Brandon and Margaret.
Covid-19 protocols were observed and no one exited their vehicles. The 12km drive took just over two hours to complete, ending with people dropping off flowers at the Scott residence before heading home.
Gauteng executive member of the CPF Reza Patel said true leaders serving the community are rare.
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“Brandon was not just that. He was a stalwart in the fight against crime and a community activist of note.
“He was always upfront and never afraid to voice his opinion. He was a pillar of strength to our structure, the loss of which we will feel for years to come.”
Patel added that the CPF will pay tribute to him soon with a send-off of the hero he truly was.
Michael said his mother will be remembered for her generosity and open-door policy.
“She helped many people over the years and will especially be remembered for never beating around the bush and calling a spade a spade.”
Margaret was born in England in 1953, she travelled when she was young and later settled with her family in Botswana.
In 1995 she moved to Benoni and owned the BP in Airfield for 20 years.
“My mother was very generous with all in the community and provided free coffee to the emergency services personnel and SAPS, as well as car washes and hot dogs.”
The couple met at a yacht club in Gabarone, where Brandon was working on a contract. They got married in December 1994.
Brandon was born in Benoni, went to technical school, became a skilled plumber and spent time in the South African Army.
He owned a few retail businesses, including a radio communications company.
Michael highlighted that he did everything for his community, ensuring if anyone needed help it was the right help and they would get it fast.
“Addiction recovery was close to his heart with Mighty Wings, and he did it 24/7.
“He will be remembered as a big man in stature with an even bigger heart, no matter who, what, where or time he would be there.”
He added that Brandon taught him that compassion and passion outweigh everything.
The couple is survived by Margaret’s sons, Michael and Bruce McGinn, Lisa McGinn (daughter-in-law), grandchildren Calib and Erin-Mia McGinn, Rose Wood (Margaret’s sister), Stuart Scott (Brandon’s brother), Geraldine Scott (Brandon’s sister-in-law) and Colleen Scott (Brandon’s mother).
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Heartfelt condolences were also shared on Facebook:
• Cheryl Gaw: If you still don’t believe Covid is real, we lost a husband and wife team – both supporters of Pug Rescue. You are both going to be missed Maggie Scott and Brandon Scott.
• Bruce McGinn: It’s with a heavy heart that I write these words, but we lost Brandon due to complications associated with Covid. [He was a] husband to my mum and stepdad to Michael and myself. Brandon was an ex-military and very old-school in his ways, but anyone who took the time to know him would have seen a very kind and caring man who dedicated his time to helping others, his passions being the CPF and his addiction counselling. He was a good man with a big heart and a heart that was in the right place. He loved my mum with everything he had and I know she loved him. He never left her side and was always there to support her.
• Nico Nel: You had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives, mine included.
• Anton Koen: Brandon was a great soldier and served his community with love and care. He will leave a huge gap in our lives and hearts. Both he and his wife passed away due to Covid within a short time.
• Nicola Ramage: This is very heartbreaking, so very sorry to hear. May they both RIP.
