It’s been a year since the passing of “The Duchess of Healing”, Dr. Sindisiwe van Zyl. On the anniversary of her passing Kaya 959 asks you to join us in remembering Dr. Sindi.
The “people’s doctor” died, on 10 April at the age of 45, after losing her battle to Covid-19.
Dr. Sindi, as she was affectionately known, was a much loved medical doctor and Kaya 959 broadcaster who touched many South African’s lives.
Presenting Sidebar with Sindi, she joined Kaya 959 in 2018, sharing her endless knowledge on all things medical, lifestyle and health-related.
Merging her love for radio with her passion for people, Dr. Sindi’s empathetic nature, kindness and personality made her a formidable force in the industry.
Born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe), Dr. Sindi was trained and worked as an HIV public health clinician and general practitioner in South Africa.
She was dubbed, “The Duchess of Healing” on Twitter, for her no-holds-barred advice, unending support and deeply motivating words of wisdom.
Her absence has been felt far and wide, as Dr. Sindi made it her life’s mission to help people beyond the country’s borders who may not have had access to medical facilities.
Dr. Sindi is survived by her husband Marinus Van Zyl, whom she married in 2004, and their two children Nandi and Manie.
The Van Zyl family plan on launching a foundation to continue supporting the causes that the good doctor so passionately believed in.
Dr. Sindi’s impact on South Africans was brought to light when people donated to a fund-raising campaign to help pay for her medical bills when she was hospitalised. More than R1 million had been raised for the campaign.
She was a mother, daughter, wife, friend, sister, aunt, cousin, doctor, speaker, researcher, entrepreneur, student, and social butterfly – and adored every position she played.
Sindi’s empathetic nature, selflessness and wisdom is what made her such a remarkable person. Join Kaya 959 in celebrating the life, love and legacy of Dr. Sindi van Zyl by sharing your memories on-air and on our social media platforms.
Tag @KayaOn959 on Twitter, using the hashtag #RememberingDrSindi when you share pictures, quotes and videos of Dr. Sindi.



