We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Hettie Coetzee on March 4. Hettie bore Robbie’s death with great fortitude; proud her son chose to serve in MK, as a 20-year-old student, and for which he made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom we enjoy today. Hettie embraced us, the surviving members of the detachment, and we treasure her unconditional motherly love.
Hettie’s compassion inspired us; as a dedicated Catholic your life was committed to the service of the most vulnerable. Children from Lilliebloem Youth Care Centre, to which you dedicated your working life, the poor who knocked at your front door for food and never went away empty-handed, and charities close to your heart. We were among Hettie’s long list of friends she maintained constant contact with despite limited airtime.
Hettie’s sense of humour also inspires us; her genuine smile and ability to laugh at her challenges shone brighter than Venus, the evening star.
We did what we could to assist Hettie over the years, providing social and material support, because that’s what families do, they care. But, like all who knew her well, we ask: could we have done more? Regretfully, we did not fully understand the medical condition of muscular dystrophy that Hettie suffered from, but we witnessed how fearful and anxious Hettie was as her muscles became progressively weaker, forgetting that she had witnessed her beloved son slip away of the same condition. Like her, we felt helpless, but with other close family and friends we rallied around Hettie to assist with day- and nightcare. Hettie’s resilience, tenacity and bravery knew no bounds; soon she only required part-time daycare until the end of her life.
Hettie was a fighter, she pushed herself through each and every day, staying mobile and independent, and keeping herself occupied as she became totally confined to her very neat and orderly room in her family home in Gleemoor. It was there that Hettie read history books and novels, listened to her companion the radio, sewed, embroidered and beaded.
Hettie’s art and crafts was not for her occupational therapy alone; she gave to charities and friends, and we cherish your gifts. Squirrelled in your room was always something nice, like chocolate and other “barakats” that Hettie loved to share with her companions, the giving and generous person she was.
We are disappointed that the Department of Military Veterans and Defence failed to deliver on its promise to provide Hettie the much-deserved institutional support she required in the last years of her life.
May this be a wake-up call for more timely intervention by the department to provide for the many other deserving comrades of our freedom Struggle and their dependants?
We draw strength knowing that Hettie is united with her sons Brendan and Robbie that she brought into this world and nurtured single-handedly.
We salute you Ma Hettie. Your life has enriched the world; your legacy will live on with us, and future generations. Hamba Kahle Hettie!
Shirley Gunn and Melvin Bruintjies
Former Ashley Kriel MK Detachment