“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never ever the same.”
If Samukelisiwe Mkhize, better known to everyone who loved her as Sam, walked into your life and onto your heart, it would be in fabulous shoes.
Last weekend the Courier lost one of our dearest family members. Sam drowned at Salt Rock main beach after taking a swim with her fiancé Loyiso Morrison (29) on Saturday morning, February 8. She was born in Gezubuso, Pietermaritzburg on March 22, 1987 and matriculated from Haythorne Secondary School in 2005.
In 2009 she graduated from Varsity College in Westville with a diploma in advertising management. Sam started out as a representative for isiZulu publication Ilembe Eyethu in 2012 and was then repositioned to sell solely for the Courier last year.
There are many things the Courier staff and Sam’s clients will miss about her, like the way she would breeze into the office every morning, wearing huge sunglasses and carrying a designer bag and then greet all of us individually (If you made the mistake of ignoring her she would stop and ask “hey, don’t you greet?”) or the way she always had a smile on her face, even in the most stressful situations.
Sam had a way of creeping into your heart with her mischievous streak and you could not stay angry with her. Her endearing nature and warm spirit, which made you feel like she had all the time in the world to talk to you, will be sorely missed.
Our condolences go to Loyiso, her family, friends and especially her little boy, Ayabonga (5).
A memorial service will be held at CRC Ballito on Wednesday evening, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. All are welcome to celebrate Sam’s life.
Messages from Courier staff
Kirsten Wood
Sam always made the front office fun, full of life, smiles and laughs. Sam was the only woman who could lose 2-3kgs overnight, and then put it on again the next day (due to each clothing item fitting differently). Love you Sam xxx.
Jodi van Wyk
Sam loved clothing – especially mine! She “borrowed” my favourite black cardigan from my desk and then refused to give it back. She went as far as wearing it to work and parading in front of me a few times, asking “don’t you like it, babe?” Lala ngoxolo, Sam.
Karyn Kruger
Sam, your infectious laughter in the front office will be dearly missed. Guess I will be drinking the “Slimz”on my own now!
Jody Walters and Gaye Kennedy
We ask why but only God knows why. We are going to miss your happy smile and vibrant personality. Dance with the angels.
David Hoehler
If ever I could not find my calculator or my stapler, I knew where to look! Sam, I am happy that my stationery will stay at my desk, but I will miss you.
Rory Appleton
Sam had a smile to change the world and a summer spirit.
Londiwe Ntuli
I will miss Sam shouting at me when I tried to clean her desk because she loved her stuff in her own order. And I will miss her following me down the passage, nagging and begging me for tea. Rest in Peace, Sam.
Pieter Naudé
Many times, Sam would walk into reception and I would not recognise her because she changed her hairstyles so often! She was a very fashionable young lady. We will miss you, Sam.
Lesley Naudé
Sam, you had a generosity of spirit and such a fun loving nature. I still can’t believe you are gone.
Nokuthula Ntuli
Sam always seemed to forget when she needed a reporter to help her with a client. Then she would barge into the newsroom and just say “hey, Nokuthula, come!” Because we loved Sam, we would just follow her stylish lead when she strutted out in her Luellas. I will miss you, Sam.
Gareth Jenkinson
I will always remember Sam’s beaming smile. It seemed like every week she had a different hairstyle and I couldn’t help but pay her a little compliment which made her laugh. RIP Sam, you angel.
Jenna Hight
Sam was filled with so much love and laughter.One funny memory was when she hid my car from me so that I would think that it was stolen so I got her back by putting her car on Gumtree with a ‘for sale’ ad. She always made the office a happy place to work in. Will miss you lots Sam.
Leah Shone
She was a beautiful, bright soul, who managed to make me smile every time I saw her. My love and thoughts with her friends, family and fiancé.
Zoe Buchan
Sam was always friendly with a smile on her face and a naughty twinkle in her eye.
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