Beloved north math teacher dies from Covid

A beloved teacher at Hoërskool Akasia in the north of Pretoria died on Monday.

The 48-year-old Christi van Wyk, head of department at the school, tested positive for Covid-19 on June 5 and fought against the virus since.

His sister Marlene Jonker said within days of Van Wyk’s passing the family also lost their aunt and uncle, living in Heidelberg, due to the virus.

“This virus has taken its toll on our family,” said Jonker on Thursday.

“Yesterday our uncle, with whom Christi shares a name, Christiaan Gerhardus van Wyk passed away. We had barely received news of his passing, when our aunt Lettie also died later that same day.”

Jonker said her brother did not seem very ill after he tested positive earlier in June.

“We were still joking about the hand full of pills and medicine he had to take,” she said.

On June 13, however, Van Wyk became very ill and was rushed to Eugene Marais hospital.

“There were not enough beds at the hospital. He was kept on oxygen in the staff area, and only got a bed the next day.”

Jonker said it was a rollercoaster ride with her brother’s health.

“One day he would be better, and the next day almost critical.”

She said on June 22, her brother’s oxygen level fell dramatically and he was moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.

“It started to get better again and we got some positive news from the doctors that he was faring well. We were hopeful that he would fully recover,” said Jonker.

“On Monday, we were still positive that my brother was getting better… then suddenly he just crashed.”

Jonker said doctors and staff at the hospital did their best to try and resuscitate Van Wyk after his heart stopped.

“We are devastated,” said an emotional Jonker. “My mum, especially… no one should ever have to bury their child.”

Messages of condolences with the family streamed in from learners and staff at Hoërskool Akasia.

The school’s flag hung half-mast in honour of their “beloved teacher”.

Many described Van Wyk as a “soft” and “caring” teacher and friend.

Van Wyk, second youngest of six children, leaves behind family, friends, colleagues and the students he taught.

He will be missed dearly by his two young sons (17 and 12-years old).

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