A beloved local nurse, who died as a result of Covid-19-related complications, was laid to rest this week.
Condolences poured in for 62-year-old Petronella “Nurse Benji” Benjamin, following her death last Wednesday.
The Eerste River nurse died a day before she was due to retire, after decades of service as a healthcare worker.
Nurse Benji is the first health professional in the province to die as a result of the Coronavirus, and was buried on Tuesday, reports the Cape Times.
HERO: Petronella ‘Nurse Benji’ Benjamin
Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo last week honoured her with a special tribute on Workers’ Day.
“This day we honour your sacrifice to the late professional nurse Petronella Benjamin, who passed on from Covid-19.
“Yesterday was supposed to be her last day at work. She was about to retire after more than 25 years of service,” she said.
FAREWELL: Covid-19 casualty Nurse Benji was laid to rest on Tuesday
The MEC said those working in the Cape Town CBD, specifically staff from Parliament and government who used to be her clients at Long Street and Golden Acre station clinics, would remember her passionate caring attitude.
“A spiritual person, a women’s health and reproductive rights patron, who started her nursing career in then Woodstock Hospital,” Mbombo added.
Nurse Benjamin passed on her passion for nursing to her daughter, also a nurse with the department, Mbombo said.
FAREWELL: Covid-19 casualty Nurse Benji was laid to rest on Tuesday. Video: Henk Kruger/ANA
“A hero has fallen, our first health worker casualty from the virus, we salute you. On 12 May, International Nurses Day, the province planned to celebrate the Year of the Nurse, with events that would include all our retired nurses.
“Condolences to family, her colleagues and community she served.”
On social media, Nurse Benji or Auntie Nella as she was fondly known, was remembered for her loving nature.
Petronella ‘Nurse Benji’ Benjamin laid to rest. Picture: Henk Kruger
A former patient posted: “Rest in Peace Sister Petronella Benjamin. You were the only nurse I’ve come to know with the most amazing bedside manner. On my last visit, you told me you were about to retire.
“I remember wishing you the best of luck for your future endeavours and to learn about your death is just heartbreaking. The department of health certainly lost a hero.”