MHM Magazine

S outh Africans are mourning the loss of Dr. Sindi van Zyl, a medical doctor, radio personality, social media influencer, and health activist who passed away at the age 45 on the 10 th  of April. SADAG is heartbroken by the loss of Dr Sindi van Zyl. Our deepest condolences and love to her husband, her beautiful children, her family, friends and colleagues. She was an incredible force for good, with a good heart and generous spirit. This is a massive loss to SADAG, mental health and to the country. Dr Sindi was genuine, open and was a champion for mental health in all the work that she did. She helped shine a light on the mental health of healthcare workers by sharing her own personal journey of depression and inspired so many others to speak out and seek help. She shared so much of herself with South Africa and we will miss her dearly. We are deeply grateful for everything that she did for SADAG, mental health, HIV/Aids, teen suicide prevention and the health sector in general. Our thoughts are with her family during this time. The one thing she prided herself with was that people from anywhere and everywhere were able to share their deepest thoughts with her. She was hailed as the “Duchess of Healing” on social media as she spent hours every day providing help, guidance and advice to so many people. Sindi was an incredible force for good, loved by all for her good heart and generous spirit. This champion for mental health will be sorely missed. - Dr Colinda Linde, SADAG Board Chairperson & Clinical Psychologist I will miss Sindi as a unique colleague and a gem of a friend. She has the special ability to make all her patients, colleagues, students and everyone she worked with feel both important though leave very informed - and always helped. She was also a ground-breaking advocate for access to medicine, mental health and a good dose of fun and laughter. Sindi had the ability to teach in every single moment and encounter, and it is the personal lessons that we will be most robbed of. Her love for her friends and especially her family will never be forgotten as they live in the special memories that she left with us - thank you Sindi. Rest well - Zamo Mbele, SADAG Board Member & Clinical Psychologist She will be remembered as a light who made an eternal difference in the lives of many, including her family, friends, colleagues and many other South Africans. The impact that Dr Sindi had on the world cannot be underestimated and her presence will be missed. Rest in Peaceful Power our dear Dr Sindi. TRIBUTE Dr Sindi was genuine, open and was a champion for mental health in all the work that she did. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO DR SINDI VAN ZYL