“This is not a game”: Husband speaks out on heartbreaking death of wife from coronavirus

Hundreds of tributes have poured in for respected Ballito resident, Premie Naidoo (62) who recently lost her life to Covid-19. 

Described as a “legend in the community” the mother of 3 passed away at Alberlito Hospital on Thursday, August 13 after 19 days in intensive care.

Speaking to the Courier at their family home in Ballito, her husband of 44 years, well-known businessman Paul Naidoo said he and their family were overcome with grief. 

“Our family is devastated to lose the most beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. She was tireless in her love and care for others. So full of life and supportive of all of us – I have lost half of myself,” said a heartbroken Paul, who also tested positive for Covid-19 and spent 2 days in ICU. 

“Family was very important to Premie – of all the roles she had in her life, the one that brought her the most pleasure was being a wife, mother to her 3 children and 7 grandchildren,” said Paul.

Her daughter Natasha described her mother as “the kindest person you could ever meet who cared deeply about those around her.”

“I take comfort knowing that the kindness, compassion and generosity she has shown us over the years will always remain with us as we mourn her passing and celebrate her life,” said Natasha. 

Her daughter, Revash described the ordeal as a “nightmare” for the family, saying of Premie: “She wasn’t just my mother, she was my best friend, whose values shaped us all. My mom was one of those people that just drew others to her. Wherever she went she made friends, and she never neglected to keep in touch with them. She was our anchor and pillar of strength.”

In the early 80s Premie set aside her career as a pre-school teacher to start Clark’s Auto Renovators which she ran successfully for 20 years, retiring in 2016.

Her business acumen and hands-on approach saw her succeed from the start in a predominantly male industry. 

Her strong spirituality was evident throughout her life and Premie embodied the old adage “charity begins at home.”

An active member of the Ballito Lion’s Club for 25 years, she focused her philanthropic efforts close to home driving many community projects that were close to her heart. 

The family is coming to terms with her death.

Paul said despite their best efforts to stay at home, stay sanitised and stay safe, the virus managed to find both him and his wife. 

“Asthma is a chronic condition and as an asthmatic patient Premie knew she fell in the high risk category so was vigilant about following all the public health guidance on coronavirus.”

“I have experienced what the virus does to you and my advice to everyone is to take it seriously and not write it off as harmless. It takes you down and it’s completely different to any cold or flu. I have never felt so sick in my life,” said Paul who also lost his sister and brother-in law to the virus. 

Paul is on the road to recovery but is still struggling daily with shortness of breath, fatigue and muscle weakness. 

The newness of the Covid-19 virus means that the recovery period, and long-term implications are yet unclear.

The family thanked family and friends for their support and Dr Amisha Kurupersad and the ICU team at Alberlito Hospital for their remarkable and exemplary care. 

“Their care and dedication deserves all our gratitude,” said Paul.