Staff at the Department of Social Development Kraaifontein Local Office are mourning the death of their colleague Wilfred Arendse who passed away on Monday December 10.
Mr Arendse, 64, worked with youth and children and was due to retire next year.
Head of communications for the Department of Social Development, Esther Lewis, said Mr Arendse had a good heart and was very passionate about his work at the department.
“He had a passion for vulnerable children, older persons, persons living with disabilities, as well as youth development,” she said.
According to her, Mr Arendse hails from Wolseley, a small town just outside Cape Town, and before his death was living in Blackheath.
He was the recipient of two Service Excellence Awards, which included a silver medal for the Best Overall Batho Pele Public Servant in 2014 and a gold medal for the Best Frontline Public Service Employee in 2015.
Ms Lewis said he will be remembered for his good humour and humble and caring nature.
“He will also be remembered for his passion towards others. He never hesitated to go the extra mile for any person.”
He leaves behind his wife, Patience, two sons Etwae and Lorienne, a daughter Tamsyn, and five grandchildren.
“Losing our colleague was very traumatic, some people from the department visited him a few hours before he passed away, he was still able to talk and then we found out he was gone,” said Ms Lewis.
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