Popular medical doctor and broadcaster, Sindi van Zyl, has passed on.
The 45-year-old had been in hospital for a while after contracting COVID-19 in February.
Dr Sindi couldn’t breathe on her own and was on life support. She passed away on Saturday morning in Johannesburg.
Dr Sindi’s passing leaves all of us cold and sad. She lived an exemplary life of giving, selflessness and grace. To her family, especially her kids she – condolences. We share your loss. pic.twitter.com/vPON26Ovv1
— |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) April 10, 2021
South Africans recently banded together and raised money to assist with her medical bills, which were piling up due to the high cost of being on a ventilator.
They raised close to R1.5 million.
“The Van Zyl family humbly thank everyone who stood together with them recently to help raise funds for Sindi’s hospital bill, in addition to the national outpour of prayer, love and support for her,” says her family in a statement confirming her passing.
What a devastating loss! Dr Sindi’s generosity & kindness made Twitter a safer community for many of us. She shared her full humanity with us and was a reminder that compassion is more important than being right. May God’s Grace comfort her loved ones. May she rest in peace. https://t.co/oqeL3e00I9
— Dr. Sithembile Mbete (@sthembete) April 10, 2021
Remembering Dr Sindi | Former Managing Director at Kaya FM, Gregg Maloka:
Van Zyl became popular by using her medical knowledge to challenge taboos around HIV and Aids as well as educate social media users on health matters. She also offered support and advice to those who reached out to her for help.
Dr Sindi ? I had the pleasure of meeting her a few years ago. Had lunch with her & her husband. I was touched by the love she radiated. A truly beautiful soul. Much love to Marinus, her kids, family & friends. She was loved, is loved. Love and light bo Van Zyl. Sikhala nani. pic.twitter.com/iAwjDZYb1J
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) April 10, 2021
“Not only was she a beacon of love and light on her Kaya FM show ‘Sidebar with Sindi’ and all her social media platforms, but she genuinely loved and gave endlessly to all she knew with grace and kindness. She modelled the love and grace that she knew in Jesus,” adds her family.
Van Zyl is also known for her love for her family and beautiful things. The self-proclaimed lover of things leaves behind her husband Marinus and two children, Nandi and Manie.
Omg. Rip Dr Sindi… ????? pic.twitter.com/fwG90kUDYk
— Ayanda? (@ayanda_yandiey_) April 10, 2021
Her family has asked for prayer and privacy as it mourns her passing.
Details of her memorial and funeral will be confirmed at a later stage.
Today we are saddened to learn that Dr Sindi passed away. She was one of the most beautiful souls on Twitter and her life’s mission was to mend lives. May her amazing soul rest in peace. #RIPDrSindi pic.twitter.com/LQD7LKDAZX
— Christo ?????? (@ChristoThurston) April 10, 2021
It’s very seldom that you meet somebody who’s kindness goes past her smile. What a genuinely beautiful soul, may Dr. Sindi van Zyl’s soul rest in beautiful peace. We really loved everything she was about ❤️?️
— Bhayeni (@ClixWell) April 10, 2021
