A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched for the four children of Phathiswa Mkhunjulwa (40), known as Patty, who died after a tree fell onto an e-hailing vehicle she was travelling in during severe weather in Wynberg on Monday 11 May.

Mkhunjulwa was a Wynberg resident and receptionist at DKVG Attorneys. She was a single mother of four.

Friend and colleague Athini Sishuba, who launched the campaign in Mkhunjulwa’s memory, said the two became friends before later working together at the firm.

“She was a gentle, kind soul with the most beautiful smile and laughter. She had that aura. Loved her children so much,” Sishuba said.

She described Mkhunjulwa as someone whose warmth was felt by everyone around her.

‘I left her a voice note’

Sishuba said she last spoke to Mkhunjulwa over the weekend. On Monday morning her calls went unanswered.

“When I called her that Monday morning I couldn’t get hold of her. I then left her a voice note, not knowing that such a horrible thing had happened to her,” she said.

In a social media post, DKVG Attorneys said the loss had been felt deeply across the firm.

“Patty was more than just the welcoming face at DKVG Attorneys, she was a warm presence, a kind soul, and a cherished part of our family.

“Her beautiful spirit, gentle nature, and caring heart touched everyone who walked through our doors. Your smile and kindness will forever remain part of DKVG,” the firm said.

Support for her children

Mkhunjulwa’s four children motivated Sishuba to act.

“I thought of the children since she was a single mother who made sure of her children’s needs. I would not want her children to struggle,” she said.

The BackaBuddy campaign has a target of R50 000. By Thursday 14 May, six donors had contributed R4 300.

“We are all just looking out for the children at this point,” Sishuba said.

What happened

As previously reported by Peoples’s Post, a tree fell onto an e-hailing vehicle at the corner of Tennant and Oak roads in Wynberg at approximately 07:20 on Monday 11 May. Mkhunjulwa was on her way to work. She was extricated at 10:10 and declared dead on the scene. The driver sustained slight injuries. Wynberg police have opened an inquest.

• Mkhunjulwa’s funeral will be held on Saturday 23 May. Venue details were still to be confirmed at the time of publication.