Media Release: Third Garden Route DM employee loses his life to COVID-19

For Immediate Release
31 August 2020

It is with profound sadness and loss that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) announces its third employee who succumbed to COVID-19. On Friday, 28 August 2020, Mr Nono Willie Nkasayi, a Senior Worker at the GRDM Oudtshoorn Roads Services Department passed away when he lost his battle against Covid-19.

The 54-year-old Willie Nkasayi worked at the Oudtshoorn region since 3 June 2005. Colleagues remember him as a humble and beloved person. Mr Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager at the Oudtshoorn region described him as a man who has always treated everyone with respect, and who had the ability to look at the “bigger picture” of things in life. He further described the late Nkasayi as an exceptional person – well-known, as a God-fearing person.  Having been a pastor at his church, Verwey refers to Willie as a prominent religious leader in the Southern Cape and Karoo area.  He acknowledges that Willie’s passion for the Lord and people drove him to always serve his fellow community members.

Mr Kleinbooi Stoffels, Roads Services Superintendent and the immediate supervisor of Willie Nkasayi said that he will be deeply missed amongst his colleagues.  He described Willie as a very disciplined and caring person.  “Willie was a go-getter in his team, always ready to make plans on how to complete a task productively.  His passing really ‘shocked’ me, and made me realise how short life is and that we should appreciate each other while we still can. I will miss his visits in the morning in my office. I am eternally grateful that I was able to walk a path with such a great spirit,” said Kleinbooi.

During his journey at GRDM Roads Services, Willie served his colleagues as a union representative for the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).  As a shop steward, he lived his passion and he believed that a matter could be resolved in a respectful and orderly manner.  Willie Nkasayi will also be remembered as a family man whose loved ones and relatives meant the world to him; as a community leader; a teacher for many; a caring colleague and friend.

Hamba Kahle – ‘Tata Nkasayi – as you were known by all’.