Dr Sindi van Zyl Sadly Passes Away at 45

Popular South African general practitioner and well known radio host Dr Sindi van Zyl, has sadly passed away after battling Covid-19 for much of this year.

Earlier this month, Dr Sindi’s husband Dr Marinus van Zyl, issued a plea for donations to help cover her hospital costs after she’d been on ventilator support for over six weeks… and South Africans responded, generously raising over R1,2-million in a #GiftSindiLife campaign. (Dr Sindi had been between Medical Aids, trying to decide which was best, at the time she fell ill.)

Dr van Zyl set up a fundraising page and explained that “Sindi has dedicated her life to helping many people. She knew from the age of 4 that she always wanted to help people as a medical doctor. Now she needs your help.”

Dr Sindi had been diagnosed with Covid-19 at the beginning of the year, and was admitted to hospital in February because she was having trouble breathing.

The family today issued the following statement through Kaya FM:

“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.

“It is however with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of our Wife, Mother, Sister and Daughter, Sindisiwe van Zyl (45).

“Sadly she passed away on Saturday morning, the 10th April in Johannesburg whilst in hospital.

“Affectionately known by her friends and family, she was a great doctor true friend and sister. Her love for family, friends, work and community is well known.

“Sindi always offered support and great advice to educate those around her. 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.

“She leaves behind her dear husband Marinus and beautiful kids, Nandi and Manie.

“The family humbly request that you respect their need for privacy as they go through this difficult period of grieving, and ask that you keep them in your prayers.

“They are deeply thankful for all the personal messages of love and support. They are felt and appreciated.

“Details of her memorial and funeral will be confirmed at a later stage.

“With Love The Van Zyl Family”