Shock and heartbreak continue to reverberate countrywide at
the passing of Dr Sindi van Zyl.
She succumbed to COVID-19 complications after battling the
virus for a month.
Affectionately known as “the people’s doctor”, she
became popular by using her medical knowledge to educate social media users on
health matters.
Recently South Africans raised more than R1 million to
assist with covering her medical expenses. Family spokesperson Melanie Ramjee
has thanked those who rallied together to support her.
“The Van Zyl family are truly humbled, and they thank South
Africa at large for coming together and standing together to help raise funds
for Sindi. In addition to the national outpour of prayer and love for Sindi in
the last few weeks of her precious life,” said Ramjee.
Van Zyl graced the airwaves two years ago on her show
‘Sidebar with Sindi’ until recently when the station announced she would be
hanging up her headphones.
In a statement, KayaFM said the Dr Sindi would be remembered
for the mark she left on society as a healthcare worker.
“Even before the scourge of the Coronavirus pandemic,
Dr Sindi made herself accessible to people from all facets of life seeking
medical counsel. She changed the lives of many, especially those who struggled
with information and access to our healthcare system,” the statement read.
The 45-year-old doctor is survived by her husband and two
children.
