Family mourns three loved ones after weekend getaway
Mannie, left, his son Kevin, centre, and granddaughter Emily Govender were laid to rest on Friday
Image: Facebook
After a memorable family weekend away in the Drakensberg, a family lost three of their loved ones within hours.
Kevin Govender, 50, was on his way to Durban on Monday to prepare for his father, Mannie's funeral when he and his daughter, Emily, 23, died in a car accident on the N3 near Harrismith.
Mannie, 82, a cancer survivor, had taken ill on Sunday in the Drakensberg and died later that day.
Seelan Govender said that his siblings, along with their families, and his parents were in the Drakensberg last weekend for a family getaway.
"My dad took ill on Sunday morning and we took him to a medical facility for treatment, where he later passed away.
"We decided to travel back home to Johannesburg to pack and travel to Durban for my dad's funeral," he said.
Govender said his parents and brother and sister, formerly from Phoenix, had all relocated to Johannesburg years ago.
He said his mother, sister and his wife had flown to Durban while the rest of the family travelled in three vehicles to Durban on Monday afternoon.
"Kevin was following me. A vehicle travelling around a bend on the oncoming lane unfortunately collided with Kevin.
"Kevin, and Emily who was seated behind him, sadly passed away. Sadly there was a long delay in emergency services responding to the scene," said Seelan.
He said his dad's death was painful and left the family distraught but they were at peace.
"But the loss of all three family members has been very traumatic. It is an emotional time. But friends and family have been a power of strength," said Seelan.
Kevin's widow, Vani, said coping with her loss has been enabled by her and the family's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. "We are thankful for the overwhelming family and community support," she said.
The funeral for all three took place in Durban on Friday.