The Langa community is mourning following the death of well-known twins Phumla and Phumeza Lugulwana, 45.
They both succumbed to Covid-19 complications within a few hours of each other.
Phumeza died last Wednesday and Phumla passed away the following day.
Phumla, who was asthmatic, was admitted to Somerset Hospital at the beginning of December already.
Their heartbroken mother Sindiswa, 70, says her daughters were very close to each other and she had hoped they would get better.
“Phumla was in the hospital for about five weeks after experiencing breathing difficulties,” she says.
“Her sister Phumeza also experienced the same on Christmas Day and was admitted to Vincent Pallotti Hospital on 27 December.”
She says they don’t know how Phumeza got ill as she had been separated from her sister for weeks.
“Even the doctors told us that it is not possible that they infected each other,” says Sindiswa.
“Phumeza’s health deteriorated. Her lungs, heart and kidneys started not to function well and the doctors told us it was getting worse.”
The sad mother says last Wednesday she received the dreaded call to say her daughter had died.
“The doctors said they tried everything but Phumeza’s lungs were not pumping enough oxygen. I called her sister in the hospital and told her that Phumeza had passed on.
“She cried and the following day we got another devastating call that Phumla had also passed.”
She believes Phumla, the younger of the twins, died of a broken heart.
"They were close to each other and did everything together. Even when they fight, an outsider could not get involved.”
The single moms each had two children, with Phumeza giving birth to twins in 2007.
Phumla’s children were born in 2000 and 2008.
Phumeza worked at Telkom and Phumla at Old Mutual.
Scores of people shared their heartfelt condolences on social media, with local international clothing brand MaXhosa Africa also sending their condolences as Phumla was one of their loyal patrons.
She wore the brand with pride and posted pictures with founder Laduma on her social media pages.
On Sunday, family and friends organised a drive-by memorial service for the twins.
Their mother says it has been difficult to process the news.
“My mother is 94 and they did everything for her. They planned her life, built us this home and spoilt her rotten,” says Sindiswa.
“My grandchildren are always crying now and locking themselves inside their rooms. I have to be strong for everyone, but it is difficult.”
Gone from our Sight bt never from our Memories.. RIP Lugulwana Twins🕊🕊🕯🕯
Posted by Brenda Ndabukelana on Sunday, January 17, 2021
The twins will be remembered for their bubbly personalities and dynamic social media presence.
Their funeral will be held in Langa today.