Remembering those we’ve lost to Covid-19

As the second wave of the pandemic continues to claim the lives of people we know and love, we pay tribute to some lives we have lost.

The North Coast residents featured here are from all walks of life, representing just a few of the people behind the staggering death toll which has surpassed 40 000 countrywide.

iLembe District recorded 107 deaths in the last week, bringing the death toll to 366 locally.

The province continues to rank the second highest in confirmed cases in the country, accounting for 21% of the cases and 18% of fatalities.

Soobramoney Reddy, 77

Soobramoney Reddy, affectionately known as “Bala” to his family and friends, lost his battle to Covid-19 on January 15.

The Tongaat resident was considered a father figure and community mentor and lived his life in service of others.

He married his wife, Leela in 1970 and they spent more than 40 years serving the Tongaat South Vishnu Temple and the community.

His family described him as humble, respectful, selfless and a true gentleman.

“He spread joy and knew how to cheer anybody from children to adults. He was an incredible person who always saw the good in people.”

He is survived by his wife, 2 daughter and 2 grandsons.

Aaron Sheriff, 33

Aaron Sheriff lost his life to the coronavirus on December, 26, 2020.

The former Stanger Secondary school pupil from the class of 2004 was described by his family as a dedicated husband and loving father to his 2 young children.

He lived his life to the fullest, appreciating the simple pleasures, such as spending quality time with his family and friends.

“He displayed a wonderful knack at solving problems and had the unique ability to reach people in a deep and positive way,” his tribute said.

He is survived by his wife, Renali, his children Skyler and Reid, his parents and 3 brothers.

Dr Glen Burroughs, 80 and Lynette Burroughs, 68

The much-loved Ballito couple died a week apart.

Glen, a retired veterinarian who worked for the agriculture, conservation and environment department, died at home on January 3, 5 days after being discharged from hospital.

His wife, Lynette died in hospital on December 28.

The couple’s children from previous marriages described their relationship as a “love story that spanned 22 years”.

Their love of Ballito was sparked when they travelled here on their annual time-share holiday, retiring in Ballito in 2000.

“Covid robbed us of two loving parents in one week,” said Lynette’s daughter, Yvette in her tribute. Lynette leaves behind 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Glen is survived by 2 daughters and 4 grandsons.

Renell Subramani, 30

Renell Subramani died on January 7.

The former Shakaskraal Secondary pupil was an electrician by trade, after studying electrical engineering at the Durban University of Technology.

He was described as someone full of love, with a generous spirit whose life touched so many others.

In their tribute his family said: “He had such a unique personality and always knew how to put a smile on your face. He will forever be in our hearts.”

He is survived by his mother, Laura, his brother Clyde and his sisters, Jess and Kate.

Stefan Loedolff, 23

Stefan Loedolff died on January 23 at Alberlito hospital from Covid-19 complications.

The 23-year-old from Bronkhorstspruit had been visiting his girlfriend in Ballito for Christmas when he contracted the virus.

In a tribute by Erasmus High School the recently qualified teacher was described as a special young man, who touched the lives of many children in his short teaching career.

“Mr Leodolff was a hardworking teacher in all areas of education, a young man with a lot of potential.”

Dr Jabulani Sibiya, 62

KwaDukuza municipality IFP councillor, Jabulani Sibiya lost his battle with coronavirus on January 21.

Sibiya served more than 14 years on KDM council and was a member of the executive committee.

In a statement released by the Office of the Mayor, Sibiya was described as a robust and fearless fighter who made an enormous contribution to changing people’s lives.

“His rare and civil approach to challenging issues underlined his unique leadership skills, wisdom and experience. He will be remembered as a humble and firm member of the council who stood for his people and constituency. We are left with deep scars and a sense of sorrow. We have lost a truly dedicated member of our council.”

Dan Muniaha, 65

Dan Muniaha, a stalwart of road running in Tongaat, died on January 18.

With 23 Comrades Marathons under his belt, the veteran runner earned himself the prestigious Comrades double green number, an accolade in the road running fraternity.

Described as humble and endearing, Muniaha was a genuine trailblazer who inspired many to take up road running.

His son Nat said: “He was very influential in giving back to aspiring Comrades runners as well as encouraging the community to get fit and do a little walking every other day on the road.”

He is survived by his wife and 2 children.

Vasantha Naidoo, 51

Affectionately known as Vasie, to family and friends, the 51-year-old Tongaat resident succumbed to Covid-19 on December 15, 2020.

A dedicated catering manager at Victoria Medic Clinic, she will be lovingly remembered for her care and compassion.

She was described as someone who loved people and had a flair as a hostess.

“Her death has left a huge loss in the lives of her family, friends and colleagues.”

She is survived by her husband, 2 children, grandchildren, mother and 2 siblings.

Bizie Magwaza, 52

The beloved principal of Mshwati Memorial, a rural school in Upper Tongaat, lost her life on August 1, 2020.

In her moving tribute to Bizie, Gill Cox, her partner in the Partners for Possibility programme, said she was a larger-than-life personality who tackled the problems of the severely under-resourced school with boundless optimism.

“She never gave up. She inspired her team to keep growing. Her legacy will continue through her team at Mshwati and beyond. One of her proudest moments was receiving her leadership certificate from UCT. She had the ability to connect and welcomed everyone to Mshwati, from the richest of rich to the poorest of poor. She changed the story of so many of us. Everywhere Bizie went, people connected and remembered her.”

Bizie is survived by her 2 daughters.

Kajal Tiluk, 29

Kajal Tiluk lost her battle to Covid-19 on January 10.

The eldest of 3 children, the much loved Kajal worked as pharmacy assistant and took care of her ailing mother fighting the final stages of a terminal disease.

Her hobby and passion was DJ-ing and she made functions memorable.

Her family said: “Kajal was a caring person who was easy to talk to. If she felt she could help she would go the extra mile. She was always full of energy and put on her best smile for the world. Her death is a tragic loss to her family, friends and community.”

She is survived by her father, mother and 2 siblings.

Sevira “Samantha” Dilsook

The much loved primary school teacher from Tongaat died on January 13.

In a moving tribute, her sister described Sevira as a “giver” and a woman of strength who touched the lives of everyone she met.

She loved unconditionally. Umhloti Primary School in Mount Moreland where she worked honoured Sevira’s memory with many messages describing her as a beautiful and humble soul who was loved by all.

She is survived by her siblings, nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Vis Padayachee, 61

The well respected Shakaskraal businessman who owned Vis Fencing & General and earned a reputation as a humble and hard working man, died on December 28.

He worked closely with the North Coast farming community.

“His 4 grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy. He was definitely a kid at heart and had a smile that could light up any room,” said his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lali, his children Denersan and Lishanya, his daugher-in-law Janine, son-in-law Ceran and 4 grandchildren.

Andrew Bhuruth, 46

Ballito business owner, Andrew Bhuruth, succumbed to Covid-19 on January 2.

In a heartfelt tribute to her husband, his wife Denise said Bhuruth was a humble man with a heart of gold.

“As a faithful member of Church Alive in Ballito, his deep faith, warm-hearted spirit and kindness together with his booming laugh will be remembered by all.”

The well respected businessman worked in civils and construction for many years before becoming owner of a CMT (cut, make and trim) factory in Durban, something he was very proud of.

He is survived by his wife Denise, daughter Michaela, parents Bharuth and Grace and siblings.

Govindasamy Govender, 63

Govindasamy Govender succumbed on January 9 to Covid-19 complications after a brave and lengthy battle with the virus.

The Glendale resident is remembered for his charismatic and inspirational personality.

His career in finance began when he took the position of accountant at the Salt Rock Hotel. It is also where he met his wife, Krishnie.

1984 marked the beginning of his 25 year career with Old Mutual, where he joined as financial advisor, achieving many accolades and recognitions for his outstanding work.

He branched out on his own, starting his own financial practice while at the same time fulfilling his passion for farming.

He leaves behind his wife, daughter, son-in-law, mother, his 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Zuleka Sheik, 68

Zuleka Sheik succumbed to Covid-19 on December 24 at her home.

The Ballito grandmother of 6, will be remembered as a kind-hearted woman who gave her very best to her family.

She adored her grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

“My grandmother lived her life to the fullest, travelled the world with her family and always helped everyone wherever she could,” said her granddaughter.

Sheik is survived by her husband, 3 children and 6 grandchildren.