Paying tribute and remembering those we lost to Covid-19
As the number of people who have died of Covid-19 approaches 35 000 nationally with almost 200 deaths recorded in the iLembe District, we pay tribute to some of the North Coast residents who have been taken from us.
The second coronavirus wave has exacted a swift and merciless toll on South Africans from all walks of life.
As the number of people who have died of Covid-19 approaches 35 000 nationally with almost 200 deaths recorded in the iLembe District, we pay tribute to some of the North Coast residents who have been taken from us.
According to the Health department, as of Tuesday there were 4305 active cases in iLembe with 15 792 cases recorded since the start of the pandemic.
The pandemic has touched rich and poor alike without fear or favour.
Here are their stories.
(37) Legan Reddy died on December 21 from complications arising from Covid-19. The bubbly 37-year-old was described as kind hearted and her colleagues from National Debt Counsellors in Umhlali said she will be remembered for her strong work ethic and her willingness to help people. She is survived by her siblings Yeshigan, Tracey and Ashley.
(77) Morgan Kander, who was described as “larger than life”, died on January 4 of coronavirus. A respected member of the Divine Life Society, he served at the Shivananda Ghat for 12 years. Described by his family as a true humanitarian and philanthropist, Kander was known for his kindness and passion for serving the community. “He had a deep love for his family and was loved by all who knew him. Every moment with Morgan was one of laughter, enjoyment and a deep love of life itself.” He is survived by his wife Daya of 50 years, his son Kamesan, daughter Vani and 2 grandchildren.
Pravin Bidesi, (61) and Nirvana Bidesi, (56): The couple from KwaDukuza died 4 days (December 31 and January 4) apart after contracting Covid-19. They loved the simple things in life and lived for their 3 daughters, 3 sons-in-law and 4 grandchildren, on whom they doted. Nirvana, a creche owner for 15 years, was known for her love of children while Pravin will be remembered for his kind gestures and willingness to lend a helping hand. Their family spoke poignantly about how the couple “had a great love of life” and were “united in life and death”.
(58) Sagie Govender: Tributes poured in for Ballito businessman and former KwaDukuza Rotary club president Sagie Govender who died on January 4 after losing his battle to Covid-19. Described as a humble man with a big heart, Govender was an active member of the community who touched the lives of many. Paying tribute to Govender his friends and colleagues described his zest for adventure, kind-hearted nature and great sense of humour. He is survived by his wife Daisy and 2 daughters, Jenisha and Rochelle.
(84) Phyllis Whittaker: Beloved mother and grandmother Phyllis Whittaker died on January 6 from Covid-19. She and her late husband Ken joined the Ballito community in 1995 and a few years later started a home industries business in the village called “Sugar & Spice” where many were also encouraged, prayed for and loved. A member of Ballito’s Church Alive for 25 years, her friends and family described Whittaker as a prayer warrior who took every opportunity to share and defend her faith. “She was the most amazing, supportive friend to many with an infectious laugh, a sense of humour, and a word of wisdom at the opportune moment.” She leaves behind her sons Greg and Stewart and grandson Cameron.
(39) Rupesh Ramsingh: The KwaDukuza resident succumbed to Covid-19 on January 3 after a brief illness. Paying tribute to Ramsingh, his wife Catherine said he had a zest for life that was infectious and near-impossible to match. “If you knew Rupesh you will not forget the impact he had on you. He was warm and friendly, and had a knack for making anyone feel comfortable in social situations. He had a booming laugh, a giant smile and eyes that radiated kindness,” she said.
(73) Peter John Pearson: Known to loved ones as Pete, died on December 31 shortly after testing positive for coronavirus. The beloved father of 4 was born and raised in Pinetown and worked as an auctioneer for 25 years before trying his hand at banana farming in Port Shepstone. He eventually moved to Ballito where he took up the position of estate manager at Shortens Estate. In a tribute his daughter, Vanessa said he will be sorely missed but never forgotten. He leaves behind his children and 7 grandchildren.
(80) Jonathan Roberts: Beloved Ballito cobbler Jonathan Roberts died on December 25 of coronavirus. Roberts’ shop, The Complete Cobbler and Keys, had serviced the community for more than two decades. Paying tribute to a “true gentleman who had the softest heart”, members of the Ballito community said he was much loved by all who met him. His son, Matthew said he was man who loved to chat as was common in his shop. Roberts leaves behind his 2 sons, Philip and Matthew, and grandchildren.
(59) Captain Singh, affectionately known as “Pops” lost his fight to coronavirus on December 13, 2020. Singh had more than 3 decades of service with the Umhlali police department. In 1998 he was appointed as head of visible policing. He served the community diligently and with great efficiency. His colleagues remember his mechanical aptitude which he put to good use servicing the police fleet. He will be dearly missed by his wife Shirley, his children, Krithesh, Yathish and Lerashni, his sister, his son in laws, daughter in laws, grand children, nieces and nephews.
(50) Ricardo Mthembu: Former KDM mayor died of complications of Covid-19 on July 8, 2020 at KwaDukuza Private Hospital. Mthembu’s formal career in politics began in 2006 as a PR councillor for Ward 9 in Stanger. He served in the KwaDukuza municipality for 8 years before becoming a member of the provincial legislature in 2019. He is survived by his wife, 5 daughters and a son.
(46) Nevin Davidson: Family and friends of Ballito resident Nevin Davidson have been left reeling following his battle with Covid-19. The much loved and well respected father of 3 passed away on January 7, leaving his wife, Genevieve and 3 young children Jessie, Miley and Carter. Colleagues at the HDI Group where he worked described him as a true leader, and a man of great character. “Nevin will be sorely missed by everyone at HDI and we will continue to strive, uphold and build on the legacy that he has left behind.”
(56) Dayalan “Dees” Moodley: Well respected businessman, Daylan Moodley, known as Dees, was the director of logistics company, M3 Carriers, based in KwaDukuza town. Described as a gentle giant by his family and friends, Moodley played an active role in his community and touched the lives of many. He died on December 23, 2020 after he was hospitalised. He leaves behind his wife Padmini and 3 children, Preshan, Salina and Nevita and well as his mother and 3 brothers.
(55) Hirendra Nunkumar: Acting deputy chief education specialist for the iLembe Education Department, died from Covid-19 on December 29, 2020 just a few hours after being admitted to hospital. He taught for 10 years at Shakaskraal Secondary school from 1998 before his promotion to senior education specialist in natural sciences in the Umkhanyakude District. With a career in education spanning 35 years, his death came as a shock to his family, who said he would be remembered for his work ethic and unwavering commitment to his family and the people he served.
Peter Rampersad, 59, and Sonya Rampersad, 54: Peter Rampersad and his wife Sonja Rampersad both died of Covid-19 within a day of each other on December 24 and 25, 2020. Founder of Peter’s Tractors in Umhlali, the farming community mourned their passing and paid tribute to the local businessman who has served the agricultural sector for more than 4 decades, lauding his business values and work ethic. In his tribute to his parents, Shakti said: “As a family we mourn the loss of our heroes and pillars of strength. Let’s pray for their journey and may they rest in peace, eternally together.”
(26) Trevina Moonsamy: Died from Covid-19 complications on November 12, 2020. An operational manager and safety officer at Ricinz Construction in KwaDukuza, the former Stanger Manor Secondary school pupil passed away 2 weeks before her father, who also succumbed to the virus. She is survived by her mother, Mogie and her 2 sisters Tia and Pritika.
(54) Derek Moonsamy: The father of 3 lost his fight to Covid-19 on November 27, 2020. His daughter Trevina died 2 weeks before him. A regional paper and drying process development manager at Sappi in KwaDukuza, Moonsamy was also the South African representative on the Global Paper Cluster. Vice president for manufacturing and technical support for Sappi SA, Pat Grady said his input was highly regarded throughout the global company. He is survived by his wife, Mogie and daughters Tia and Pritika.(59) Warrant Officer “Biltong” Khoza: Affectionately known as “Biltong”, Khoza served as a police reservist at Umhlali Saps for 35 years. He lost his brief battle to Covid-19 on January 2. He was known for his passion and dedication to crime fighting and in his early days was an active member of the CPF. “His enthusiasm and pride in his job was evident in everything he did,” said Captain Maharaj. According to his colleagues Khoza loved being a police reservist and cared dearly about the community he served.
(54) Warrant Officer Niresh Kumcarun: The seasoned police officer at Umhlali Saps died from Covid-19 complications on October 27. His colleague, Captain Maharaj described him as an exemplary policeman who served the community for more than a decade. He joined the police force in 1987 and worked in the riot unit after graduating from the police academy. He joined Umhlali Saps in 2011. “He was a humble, behind-the-scenes guy who was always willing to go out of his way to help others,” Maharaj said. Kumcarun is survived by his wife and 2 children.
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