NEWCASTLE KZN: Town honours young farmer; another life taken by the deadly pandemic

Today, January 29, young Jamie van der Merwe (27) will be laid to rest on the family farm he so cherished, surrounded by lush, swaying mielie fields he so lovingly tended with his dad, where he happily resided and where he so determinedly set about building his future in farming.

Jamie’s parents, Gerard and Lizbe are devastated. They still expect him to come driving up the driveway for his early morning coffee. They are so bewildered and paralysed with the grief at losing their only child so quickly, friends have stepped in to make most of the funeral arrangements.

Jamie’s young life was ripped away by the Covid-19 virus just a week ago. He, his girlfriend and his dad all tested positive for the virus when Jamie fell ill.

“It happened so quickly,” Lizbe whispered.

Jamie was admitted to Mediclinic Newcastle on Wednesday (January 20), short of breath. By Thursday, he was fighting for survival and was airlifted by helicopter to Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. He was heavily sedated and it was the last time his parents saw him.

Lizbe and Gerhard rushed through to Johannesburg and early on Friday morning, Gerhard called the hospital from their hotel to check on his son. He was told his son had been stabilised.

Lizbe dressed quickly and hurried to the hospital, hoping to see Jamie but it was not to be. Jamie had a massive heart attack, a complication of the Covid-19 virus, and passed away.

Today, friends, family and all those whose lives were touched by Jamie, will gather in their hundreds from far and wide, to bid farewell to him. There will be a private church service at the NG Kerk Moedergemeente, which starts at 11am.

Due to lockdown restrictions, only 50 people are permitted and these people have received special invitations to attend this ceremony. In a marquee on the family farm however, a large screen has been erected for a live feed of the church and gravesite ceremonies, which friends and family are permitted to attend or can simply log onto YouTube and watch online from home or work, by clicking on these links:

Church service –

Graveside ceremony –

Those attending the ceremonies are requested to observe Covid-19 protocols by wearing masks, sanitising and practicing social distancing. The family say they understand people cannot console them by hugging so it is not expected.

Those driving to the farm are asked to be careful as the road is slippery and muddy due to the recent rainfall. Lastly, the family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the community for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

“We are overwhelmed by the number of people who we know and who knew Jamie, and cannot express in words the appreciation we have for the love and support we have received. We would like to say a particular thank you to Tollie and Rene Nel, Kas and Kristel Joubert, Adel Potgieter, Johan Pieters and Susan Basson, who have all stepped in to make this funeral possible,” said Gerhard gratefully.

A tribute to Jamie will be published in next week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.

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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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