Ramoabi Daniel Tsaagane, 77, affectionately known as "Oupa" or "Oom Dan", was a wise and gentle soul with a quiet demeanour. Many would seek guidance from him as he often offered sound and impactful advice. Born and bred in Carletonville, he raised three children and is survived by his wife Mantshadi Tsaagane and six grandchildren. "We miss you every day and may you continue to watch over us. Robala ka kagiso Oupa," said his family.
Hasumati Narsai, 62, from Lenasia was a light wherever she went, always making friends and leaving a warm feeling in their heart. “Her death has shocked many people near and far. Her death has left a void so deep it hurts every time we think of her,” said her sister Dina Budhoo. She will be dearly missed by her husband, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Karen Yegappen Mahlangu, 50, and Zweli Mahlangu, 44, from Gauteng, died on 23 June 2021, two hours apart. They are dearly missed by family and friends.
Colin De Kock, 59, was a husband, father, brother, friend and colleague. “We will miss you but your legacy will carry on into the future. We love you,” said Carol, Curtly, Cameron, Tahnee and Kim.
Matshidiso Mphasane, 59, from Zamdela (Sasolburg) in the Free State, died in January 2021. "Always in our minds, forever in our hearts," said Zakes Mphasane.
Odette Silver died 19 days before her 50th birthday on 7 January 2021. "You always placed other people first and yourself last. You always tried to make the atmosphere better, to make people happy. You were gracious," said her sister Angelique Murphy.
Christine Elizabeth Young, from Port Elizabeth, was born in York, England in 1949. She was a mother to three sons and one daughter and had five grandchildren. "She was the most caring, loving and giving person. Family was everything to Christine and we all feel cheated by her untimely death due to this horrific virus. Thank you for the best 51 years of my life. My wife, lover and soulmate. I will love you for ever and ever," said her husband Sandy.
Leonie Leo-Brewer, 63, from Johannesburg was a wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She will always be missed and loved by those she left behind, said her brother Stephen Leo.
Goolam Rajah, 74, was the Proteas' team manager from 1991 till 2011. A qualified pharmacist, Rajah presided over 179 Tests, 444 ODIs and 40 T20s. He was a much-loved figure among players. "Your humble character will remain unparalleled and you will be missed by the many who you so effortlessly left your mark on. You will be remembered as someone who brought something special to the world and did everything with passion and distinction," said Mohammed and Fatima Vachiat, close friends of Rajah.
Hilton Myers, 67, died on 5 April 2021 while on a ventilator in the Morningside Mediclinic ICU. He is loved and missed by his wife Christine, sons Jedd and David, Grandson Tyler, and siblings Warren and Gill.
Vijayluxmi "Mummygirl" Pillay, 61, from Mt Pleasant, Camperdow, was the rock of her family. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, mother-in-law, granny, aunt, cousin, sister and friend. She will be missed by her husband Jaya, mother Parvathy, children Tash, Craig and Theo, daughters-in-law Candice and Rashmika grandchildren Sayush, Revata and Taanvi.
Dudley Craig Arendse, 46, from Belhar, Cape Town was a husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and cousin. He is missed dearly.
Dalpat Lalloo was born in Springs and was well-known in the number plate and tailoring industry. His friends and family described him as a humble gentle soul who always had a smile and helped people.
Gregory Kytides was a former Cape Town football player for the “Greek Gods” Hellenic F.C during their zenith in the 1970s. He was a husband, father and friend loved by many.
Saabir Cassim, 45, from Verulam, is survived by his wife and daughter. "He was the epitome of humanity, a most caring, giving and loving soul. We will always love you Pumpkin," said his wife Aaliyah.
Gerry Wood, aka Mr Football, died a day after his 80th birthday. He was a hero to many in Hout Bay and regularly volunteered his time and money to help uplift the local community. "He was a strong but gentle giant who was devoted to his family and was proud of all his children and grandkids. Be with mom now dad who you missed so much. We will cherish the memories," said his son Brian Wood.
Subbiah Govender, aged 78, was "a father of all trades". He is sorely missed by his wife Selvie and his six daughters.
Marlene Kirkland, born in Cape Town, lived in Port Elizabeth, died on 24 November 2020 aged 74. She was a wife, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. "She was a beautiful person inside and out. Our hearts are broken and our lives shattered. Always in our hearts," said her sister Rochelle Bird.
Lisebo Mokhema, 77, from Boipatong, Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng died on 18 May 2021. She was a loving mother and grandmother. "Our hearts are broken but the memories live on," said her family.
Maria Titus, 66, from Boksburg died on 14 November 2020. She was a mother and grandmother. "She will always be in our hearts and we miss her tremendously," said her daughter Jackie Matthys.
Arnold “Herby” Cooke, 71, hailed from Ennerdale in Johannesburg. He was full of life and laughter, and his death has left a big void in his family, church and community. He is survived by eight children, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew him.
Barney Nathan Eliasov from Benoni died on 17 January 2021, shortly before his 54th birthday. Originally from Hillbrow, Johannesburg, he was one of five siblings, and is survived by his wife Deborah and children Alexander, Matthew and Natasha, daughter-in-law Shereen and grandchildren, Caylin and Noah.
Wilhemina Matshidiso 'Mapopi' Mphake née Tlisane from Orlando West Ext 2, Killarney died in January 2021 and was buried on her birthday during the second Covid-19 wave. "Her death is unbearable. May the Lord take good care of her. I know she is our guardian angel," said her daughter Mimi Mphake.
Brothers Ravi Raman, 53, and Morris Raman, 58, from Durban died a week apart. They were ever-present fathers to their children and grandchildren and loving husbands to their wives. "We were always captured by their loving hearts and beautiful minds. Never will we forget the morals and values they have inculcated in us. They will be dearly missed and forever will remain in our hearts," said the Raman family.
Hettie Dahms, 77, from Northcliff, Johannesburg pushed life as hard as life pushed her. She was a mother, sister and wife. "She was one of the toughest women I have known... the 'I'm always here for you person'," said her granddaughter Hettie Potgieter. "We will all miss you."
Egmont Pauls, 48, and Chantelle Pauls, 38, from Krugersdorp died on 17 and 22 June respectively, five days apart. They were a loving couple. "Gone too soon my friend, missing you so much," said Faeeza Classen, a friend of Chantelle's.
Boyd Naidoo, 67, born Ahmed Hoosein Lockhart, died after 70 days in hospital. Typical of our boss, father and friend, he didn’t give up without a long hard fight. The founder of Caspian freight Pty Ltd was loved and respected in the shipping industry for the last 40 years. He was a true charmer with a charismatic smile. "Rest well, dear husband, father and friend. Life will never be the same without you. Large enough to count. Small enough to care," said his daughter, Julie.
Welile Mbilase, 74, from Mtyolo village, King William's Town was a retired school principal at Phole Primary School. He was a well respect community member and known as a gentleman of note. He was kind-hearted and loved his family. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and five grandchildren who miss him dearly.