The Third wave driven by the Delta variant has claimed another high-profile victim – Professor Audrey Msimanga, the head of the Wits School of Education.
On Wednesday the University of the Witwatersrand announced the untimely passing of the professor.
“Wits learned today of the passing of Professor Audrey Msimanga, the head of the Wits School of Education, who did not recover from her illness after contracting Covid-19,” said a statement from the prestigious institute of higher learning.
“We have lost a great leader in teacher and science education today.
“Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Professor Msimanga’s family, colleagues, and students during this very difficult time.”
South Africa is in the throes of the third wave that has seen fatalities and hospitalisations spike.
Since the pandemic hit the country, just over a year ago, 60 264 people have died from Covid-19.
Among the leading lights who have succumbed to Covid-19 was the top businessman and former chair of Eskom, Jabu Mabuza.
The business guru died on 16 June.
Two days later – Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards managing director, Thulani Wiseman Malinga, succumbed to Covid-19 related complications.
Earlier on 2 June, acting giant MacDonald Ndodana Mathunjwa, best known for his roles on soapie Generations and Home Affairs died from Covid-19.
In April much-loved medical doctor and Kaya FM host, Dr. Sindi van Zyl lost her battle against Covid-19.
In March the death of SuperSport isiXhosa commentator Kaunda Ntunja brought to many the reality of how deadly Covid-19 is.
Veteran Journalist Karima Brown died early in March from the virus.
Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mtembu died of Covid-19 in January this year.
This week 74-year-old Goolam Rajah, the former manager of the South Africa men’s cricket team, died of Covid-19 related complications in Johannesburg.
While this list is long and getting longer the government has appealed to everyone to protect themselves in the wake of the contagious Delta variant.
The message is clear – avoid crowded areas, wear a mask, wash your hands regularly with soap or santise and always keep your social distance, especially indoors.
The latest figures from the last 24 hours were 19 500 new confirmed cases, with 380 fatalities recorded. More than 11 000 of the new cases were recorded in Gauteng, the epicentre of the disease.
So far nearly three million South Africans have been vaccinated. The country has an estimated population of 60 million
