KNYSNA – Two well-known Knysna healthcare workers, Dr Johann Viljoen and Charl Steenekamp, have been identified as the two men who died in a head-on collision on the N2 near White Bridge on Friday morning.

The crash happened at about 07.30 yesterday, when a Waste Management truck from Bitou Municipality and a Ford Everest collided head-on.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies said the two occupants of the Ford sustained serious injuries and were declared dead at the scene.

“The driver of the truck sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance,” Spies said.

According to police, the Waste Management truck was travelling towards Mossel Bay, while the Ford was travelling towards Knysna when the collision occurred.

Knysna detectives have opened a culpable homicide docket and the investigation is continuing.

Tributes pour in for Knysna healthcare workers

The deaths of Viljoen and Steenekamp have prompted an outpouring of grief from the Knysna community and those in the healthcare sector.

The Democratic Alliance in Knysna extended its condolences to their families, friends and colleagues, describing both men as well-respected members of the community.

“Both men gave so much of themselves to this community, dedicating their lives to providing quality, dignified healthcare to the people of Knysna and beyond,” said DA Knysna Constituency Chairperson Levael Davis.

“Their compassion, and unwavering commitment to those in their care will not be forgotten.”

Tributes have also been shared by members of the medical industry.

Estelle Mey, posting in the Medical Representatives of South Africa Facebook group, described Viljoen as a specialist physician at Life Hospital Knysna and Steenekamp as his practice manager.

“You touched so many lives and the difference you made will live on,” Mey wrote. “My heart is broken. You will never be forgotten.”

A further tribute was shared by Oak Leaf Cafe, which mourned the loss of Viljoen, Steenekamp and their pug, CaraMia.

The cafe described Viljoen as a much-loved patron, friend and doctor, recalling how he had treated and supported members of the cafe’s team and their families over the years.

The tribute also remembered his warmth, wisdom and sense of humour, including the “bear-hugs” he was fondly known for.

“Johann was my doctor for many years,” the cafe said, adding that he had diagnosed and cared for one of its members and had guided the business through the difficult months of Covid-19.

“We will sorely miss having them with us. May they rest in peace,” the cafe said.

Dr Johann Viljoen’s medical career

Viljoen had worked as a specialist physician for decades.

According to his professional biography on his practice website, he qualified as a physician in 1986 and completed his internship at Addington Hospital in Durban.

During his mandatory army service in 1988, he worked in the Department of Internal Medicine at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, where he gained experience in infectious diseases.

He completed his Master’s degree in Internal Medicine in 1993 and subsequently worked as a specialist physician in private practice.

Viljoen moved to Knysna in 2008, where he continued his medical career and became a familiar figure in the local healthcare community.

Steenekamp was closely associated with Viljoen’s medical practice.

The practice’s official website identifies Steenekamp as its practice manager and states that he joined Viljoen in 1995.

The website says the pair moved to Knysna together in 2008, where Steenekamp continued working alongside Viljoen.

Davis said the two men would be deeply missed by those who knew them.

“Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. They will be deeply missed,” he said.

The circumstances surrounding Friday’s fatal collision remain under investigation.

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