Dr Sindi van Zyl ‘went beyond being a doctor’: loved ones give tribute

Late medical doctor and radio personality Sindi van Zyl’s children said they would remember her as a kind and caring mother who loved everyone.

Paying tribute to their mother at her funeral held virtually on Thursday, Nandi and Manie, whom Van Zyl called “caramelos”, spoke fondly of their mother, describing her as a strong and powerful person.

Van Zyl died on Saturday morning, two months after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

“She was a good person, but all good things need to come to an end,” said Van Zyl’s son Manie.

“My mom was an amazing mom. She was powerful, strong and good at many things. She liked to surprise people. I remember when we went to Sun City and we thought she could not swim, but she jumped into the water and proved us wrong,” Nandi said.

“She loved wearing perfume and cared a lot how she smelled. Whenever I smell a perfume it reminds me of her hugs. She was the best mom anyone could ever ask for. She was caring, kind and loved everyone. Rest easy, mom,” she added.

Van Zyl’s father Muchadeyi Masunda said above everything she was known for, his daughter had a stubborn streak.

“There was a stubborn streak in her. The thing that touched me the most about her was her work ethic. If there were patients in the queue, all of them had to be treated. She would drop off those who were last in the line, at home,” Masunda said.

He spoke about how proud he was of her daughter who had accomplished a lot.

“I want to pay tribute to Marinus [Van Zyl’s husband]. If it had not been for the amount of space that you gave my daughter, she would not have accomplished any of the things. You’ve been an exemplary son-in-law to me. I want to thank you deeply,” he said.

I want to pay tribute to Marinus [Van Zyl’s husband]. If it had not been for the amount of space that you gave my daughter, she would not have accomplished any of the things.

—  Sindi van Zyl’s father Muchadeyi Masunda

Marinus said what made Van Zyl special so special was the love she had for all people.

“She had love for many people, all people. How is it possible to have love for all people? Sindi was not perfect.

“It is possible because of Jesus. Sindisiwe is saved by God. That is what her name means. The forgiveness she experienced, she extended to all people.

“If you want to be forgiven, you have to give other people. If you do not, you also not be forgiven. I want to encourage you today and forgive other people. I want to encourage you to not fall on that trap of indulging in blame games. Love like Sindi did,” he said.

Van Zyl’s friends and colleagues described her as a selfless person who put other people’s needs, especially patients, before hers.

“Sindi’s life was a life well lived. She was a freak of nature who left an indelible mark. She had genuine interest in people. She was genuine, authentic and relatable. She left you believing you are something and you matter,” said Dr Cephas Chikanda.

Van Zyl was keen to hear others’ stories, and she shared her own personal stories, Chikanda said.

“She made it fashionable to be young, black and successful. She was a generous human being. She went beyond being a doctor.”

Dr Nyaradzo Muguti, who went to school with Van Zyl in Zimbabwe, said she was unapologetic and fearless.

“If she believed in something, she would defend it. Her priority was her patients and their safety. She loved designer brands and she had a keen eye for beauty. She loved perfume. She loved art, music. Those things made her happy. She lived her life to the full. The way she did her things is as if she knew was on a clock. She knew she didn’t have time. She was here to serve,” Muguti said.

Lerato Masemola said Van Zyl was known as the people’s doctor as she did a lot of medical consultations on social media and in the field of HIV/Aids.

“She worked tirelessly to give people medical advice. She was exceptional in the way she related to people. She let us into her life outside of work. She loved her husband and her children,” she said.