Around 200 vehicles, mostly from Cape Town’s towing community, joined a memorial drive Friday evening, departing the Bellville Velodrome and travelling along the N1 to the site where tow-truck driver Jeandré du Toit tragically died in an accident a week earlier.
Here hundreds of white balloons were released into the chilly winter night along with a prayer to remember the 18-year-old from Kraaifontein.
“We could not have had a better turnout, with heavy-duty truckers and bikers as far as Worcester joining us. Their was not a spot left to stop at the Velodrome,” says organiser Dorian Naidoo.
The early morning silence on this tragic day was shattered by tragedy when in the wet conditions of the early morning, Du Toit’s vehicle swerved in a puddle on the N1 and struck a street pole before rolling multiple times just moments from the Durban Road off-ramp. Du Toit, who was on his way to assist with a tow, was declared dead on the scene.
Last week, tributes continued to pour in for Du Toit, who was known and loved by many and a familiar face in Cape Town’s towing community.
To his father Burty du Toit he was everything. “God should have taken me first,” he tearfully told TygerBurger last week. “Jeandré still had his whole life ahead of him. He was loved by many, a sweet, kind young soul who always helped everybody.”
Always ready to help
Friends and colleagues in the industry describe Du Toit as a young man full of promise and heart.
“You did everything with wholehearted dedication,” Juan Pienaar wrote in a touching social-media post. “You gave 200%. You rose to the top of the game very fast and made a name for yourself, a name that everyone on the road knew. He was always ready to help, Jeandré stood out.”
Cindy Arendse wrote: “I will miss you so much on accident scenes, your friendliness, respect and bright smile as you greeted others, someone who would have helped me on the road day or night.” van Rhyn expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt tribute: “You were taken from us far too soon. I’ll cherish a lifetime of memories… your heart of gold will never be forgotten.”
Karen Smith reflected on the impact Du Toit had on those around him: “You had a way of finding your way into people’s hearts. You were truly one of a kind.”
Jeandré was also known for his prowess on the rugby field first at Brackenfell and later Stellenberg High School.
In memoriam Brackenfell High School expressed its condolences to friends and family. “Jeandré will be remembered for who he was and the deep impression he made on the school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved,” the school stated.
