TZANEEN – After surviving a devastating car accident more than four decades ago, Cobus van Jaarsveld has spent a lifetime defying the odds.

Now, his daughters are appealing to the community to help their dad overcome another painful challenge and finally receive the hip replacement surgery he urgently needs.

Van Jaarsveld was involved in the accident in 1983 while on his way to ask his girlfriend, now wife, to marry him. Shortly after his vehicle had been serviced, a rear wheel side shaft and bearing came loose, causing him to lose control.

The crash left him with a shattered hip, severe spinal damage, and extensive head trauma. He spent three weeks in a coma, with doctors warning his family that he might never walk or speak again.

Defying the doctors

But Van Jaarsveld refused to accept that outcome. Although he could not walk, he promised his future wife he would still ask her to marry him that December, and that he would walk again.

He kept both promises. After months of rehabilitation, he learned to walk again and eventually returned to playing rugby. However, one leg remained permanently shorter than the other, leaving him with lifelong damage to his spine and hips.

“He has never been someone who gives up,” said his daughter, Nanette Barnard.

“Even after everything that happened to him, he always found a way to keep going.”

A life dedicated to serving others

In 1993, Van Jaarsveld returned to university to study theology and later became a minister. For decades, he served congregations and communities, often in areas where resources were limited.

According to his daughters, their father always put others first.

“Dad spent his life helping people,” Barnard said.

“Being a pastor was never about money for him. He cared about people and wanted to make a difference.”

More than 40 years later, the injuries remain

Without private medical aid, the family could not afford the specialist treatment he now requires. Over the years, the damage caused by the accident has taken an increasing toll.

Earlier this year, Tzaneen Healthcare Hub orthopaedic surgeon Dr MS Mokoena described Van Jaarsveld as a “walking miracle”, saying his passion for cycling had helped strengthen the muscles around his joints and kept him mobile for more than 40 years.

Today, however, his body can no longer compensate.

He is number 283 on the provincial hospital waiting list. His orthopaedic surgeon, Dr DP Vermaak, has quoted approximately R173 809 for the procedure.

Family turns to the community

The family hopes to raise R220 000 to cover surgery, scans, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and unforeseen medical costs. They have raised R123 000 so far.

“It is heartbreaking to see him living with so much pain after everything he has overcome,” Barnard said. “He has spent his whole life putting everyone else first. Now we want to do the same for him.”

The family hopes to raise enough money for his first operation before December.

“It’s not easy to ask for help, but when it comes to my dad, I will do absolutely anything,” Barnard said.

A night of entertainment to support Cobus

A fundraising event, a production of Lappoppe featuring actresses Je-ani Swigelaar and Marlee van der Merwe, will be on the stage on November 7 at Hoërskool Ben Vorster.

For more on the event, call Nanna 072 146 8390 or Nanette 082 836 1501.

How you can donate

Scan the QR code above to donate towards Cobus van Jaarsveld’s hip operation.

On your phone? Donate to Cobus van Jaarsveld’s surgery fund here.