Support pours in for local brothers who lost parents to Covid-19

Billy Badenhorst (24) from Bardene is overwhelmed by the community helping him to take care of his 14-year-old brother, Dewald, who suddenly became an orphan after losing his parents to Covid-19.

Dewald’s parents, Dan Peter (Billy senior) (49) and Maliska (Dewald’s mother and Billy’s stepmother) (45), succumbed to Covid-19 on January 16 and 21, respectively. Maliska died at the Tambo Memorial Hospital while Billy senior died at home.

Billy has taken guardianship of his little brother, who will start high school at Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen on February 15. They all live with Chanté Jordaan’s parents, Billy’s 20-year-old girlfriend. Chanté is studying to become a teacher.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Billy said they are still coming to terms with the immense emotional loss of losing their parents within a week.

“It’s extremely difficult for us as we didn’t expect our parents to die. Chanté and I also tested positive for the virus but we only experienced mild symptoms. I visited my parents every week, and we were a close-knit family. I also promised my dad that I would look after Dewald, and I’m going to keep that promise. I would do anything for my brother,” said Billy, who is a salesperson.

However, Billy was concerned about the financial aspects of taking care of his little brother.

Dewald suffers from epilepsy, which leaves him disorientated and with temporary amnesia after attacks. Billy senior was without a job for a while, so there is no medical aid or other policies to provide for Dewald.

This is why a family friend and headmaster’s secretary at Dewald’s new high school, Sandy Dreyer, reached out on their behalf to Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels.

Her plea did not fall on deaf ears. Good Morning Angels assisted the brothers with R20 000 and several more angels came forward with assistance.
Medicare 24 has offered Billy, Dewald and Chanté free medical care for two years as well as a gym contract for Dewald for two years.
Listener Sias Esterhuizen donated R1 000 to Billy and Dewald.
An anonymous listener also donated R20 000 and will repeat this donation annually for another four years. This will amount to R100 000 in total over five years.
Frik and Willem van Heerden from Amapogo Security donated R50 000.
The school will assist with a uniform for Dewald.

“If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we all can help, even if it’s just writing a letter to Good Morning Angels on someone else’s behalf. Our listeners know they are part of South Africa’s greatest community of angels, and that we are all in this together,” said Martin Bester, presenter of Breakfast with Martin Bester at Jacaranda FM.

Billy expressed his gratitude towards everybody who donated.

“They don’t how much their support means to us, we really appreciate it. It will also help us overcome challenges that we might have to face in the future.
“I would also like to thank my girlfriend and her parents (Thys and Lynette), Mike from Medicare 24, Ockie van Heever, my other siblings that are helping where they can and Dalmain from Dalcorp,” he added.

Anybody who can assist the family in any way may contact Billy on 074 999 6688.

Also Read: Covid-19 claims lives of parents two days apart