Emotional time: loss of three family members 'traumatic'
Wife and daughter still critical in hospital
Kevin and Emily Govender were travelling from Johannesburg to Durban to arrange his dad, Mannie Govender's funeral, when they were involved in an accident.
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A FAMILY vacation turned tragic as Kevin and Emily Govender lost their lives in a car accident while travelling to Phoenix to arrange a funeral for a loved one.
This week their grief stricken family spoke on their loss and the support they have received during this difficult time.
Kevin, 50, and his daughter, Emily, 23, were travelling to Durban from Johannesburg after his (Kevin’s) father, Mannie Govender, 82, died while on holiday at Drakensberg.
The accident took place near Van Reenen’s Pass, while they were travelling along the N3 from Johannesburg to Phoenix to arrange his dad's funeral.
Kevin’s wife, Vani and younger daughter, Erin, are in a critical condition in hospital.
A joint funeral was held on June 27 for all three family members at the Faith Revival Church in Longcroft.
Seelan Govender, Kevin’s brother, said they were on a family weekend away when his father, a cancer survivor, took ill and passed away.
“It was during this vacation that he became frail suddenly and went home to be with his Lord and saviour. We had gone home to Johannesburg to prepare for my dad’s funeral in Durban as per our parents' expressed wishes. Kevin was following me and when I swerved to avoid a car that had crossed onto our lane to overtake trucks illegally, a white Mercedes collided with Kevin's vehicle.”
He said his father's passing 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. However, friends and family have been a power of strength.
“Vani and my mother Kay have been left widows. Our family is only coping through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the one who has brought salvation and a hope of eternity into their lives. Philippians 1:21 says for me to live is Christ, to die is gain. We are thankful for the overwhelming family and community support.”
Govender said that as a child, Kevin was a gentle, quiet, and reserved soul who loved animals.
“Nothing changed as he got older and married. Vani and Kevin married in 1999 and in December of that year they were blessed with their first baby girl, Emily, who was the apple of their eyes.
“Kevin never said a harsh word to anyone. He was always willing to help a person in need, whether it was fixing a burst tyre or teaching his nephew and nieces to drive. He was hardworking and diligent, doing all this with a smile. Kevin will be missed by us all.”
Govender said that his niece, Emily, was a kind and intelligent person.
“Emily was extremely accomplished in everything that she set out to do and she was a 'people's person'.
“She was an amazing young woman. She was beautiful on the inside and out. Her humanity, love for animals and simplicity stood out. But her real beauty shone from within, because Emily's heart was as pure as gold and her kind and gentle. Truth always surfaced in every situation.
“Even in her young age, was always ready to offer advice to whomever came seeking, often seen giving advice to her cousins, her mum and her sister. Her God-Fearing personality allowed her to be firm and forthright in the most respectable and humble manner. She was a respectful and loving daughter,” said Govender.