Town’s beloved Santa passes away at 73
Krugersdorp's much-loved Santa Claus for almost two decades, Phillip Swanepoel, has died.
He was a familiar face to those of a certain age, but he was Santa Claus to the children of Krugersdorp and even those who travelled long distances to snap a photo with him.
Key West Shopping Centre’s much-loved Santa Claus, Phillip Swanepoel, 73, sadly passed away following a heart attack.
Also read: Santa’s back, jingling bells and all
Family confirmed to the News that Swanepoel, a father, brother, husband and most notably Santa Claus died on Friday, December 9.
With determination, Swanepoel started his duties as Santa Claus on the first of December every year. This year sadly, on Monday, December 5, he complained that he felt under the weather and stayed in bed before his passing four days later.
His son, Bokkie Swanepoel, told the News that his father was proud to be Santa Claus for nearly two decades.
Also read: Key West Carols light up Krugersdorp’s heart
“This year was the 19th year that he was Santa Claus. Every year until December 24th, people could find him in Key West having his picture taken with children. My father adored children and loved his family; this was his source of inspiration,” he explained.
“He found joy just from being Santa Claus and this was his way of spreading joy to children.”
It became evidently clear that Swanepoel was not only a man who brought people’s children together but his own children too as he would also travel during the year to visit his own children who live abroad.
“He did not have a day job. He would visit me in France and visit my sibling in America. He would also make sure to spend time with us, because he was family-orientated,” Bokkie added.
Swanepoel was born to be Santa Claus his son explained adding, “My father never altered his looks to look like Santa Claus, he just looked like him and he completely embodied him. With his love for children and his personality he would always light up a room”.
Swanepoel not only brought joy to the Krugersdorp community, but he also created memories that many people will cherish for the rest of their lives.
“My dad would always cease the day and never leave something for the next day. If we said we would wash the dogs tomorrow, he would ask us what is wrong with today? That’s just the type of person he was. If you said you would do something for someone, do it immediately. That’s what he would say to us,” Bokkie said.
Swanepoel’s family shared that they will continue the Santa Claus legacy.
“By continuing the business we are keeping him alive. We are asking members of the community to continue supporting the business so that my father’s legacy can live on,” Bokkie concluded.
