The early morning silence of Sunday was shattered by tragedy and with it the hearts of an entire community.
In wet conditions that morning 18-year-old tow-truck driver Jeandré’s du Toit’s vehicle swerved in a puddle on the N1 and struck a pole before rolling multiple times just moments from the Durban Road off-ramp.
Tributes have come pouring in across social media for a young man whose life was cut short when on his way to assist with a tow, particularly from the Kraaifontein community.
Known and loved by many, he was more than just a familiar face in Cape Town’s towing community.
To Burty du Toit he was everything.
“God should have taken me first,” the shattered father tearfully told TygerBurger. “Jeandré still had his whole life ahead of him. He was loved by many, a sweet, kind young soul who always helped everybody.”
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 had already made a name for himself for his dedication, his golden heart and the way he threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did. Jeandre stood out.”
Whether it was on the rugby field at Brackenfell and later Stellenberg High School, or on the roads where he was always ready to help.
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.”
Dylan 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.”
A memorial drive organised by the tow-truck community will take place on Friday from the Bellville Velodrome along the N1 to the family’s home in Kraaifontein. Friends, family, rugby friends, bikers and truck drivers are expected to take part.
