Update
GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — The death of a well-known Graaff-Reinet resident, Leolynn Smith, in a car crash on Tuesday afternoon, 13 February, has sent shock waves through the community.
Smith (33), who was the Communications Officer for the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, died when her red GWM sedan collided with an oncoming vehicle on the N9 just 15km outside of town.
According to local police, Smith was travelling from Graaff-Reinet towards Aberdeen, when she presumably lost control of the vehicle.
The car veered across the road into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with an Eskom Landcruiser travelling towards Graaff-Reinet. Smith’s vehicle rolled, ending up on its roof. Paramedics said she died on impact.
The driver of the Landcruiser was taken to Midland Hospital with a broken arm.
There were no passengers in either vehicle.
Smith was on her way to a mayoral outreach meeting in Willowmore when the accident occurred.
Mayor Deon de Vos, who left for the meeting shortly after Smith, was deeply distraught when he came upon the scene of the accident. Smith had made all the arrangements for the meeting, and De Vos told the Advertiser that he made the difficult decision to proceed to Willowmore to attend the meeting, as he believed that she would have wanted him to keep their appointment.
The Municipal Manager, Dr Edward Rankwana, also attended the meeting after spending some time at the scene of the accident.
Smith, who was born and raised in Graaff-Reinet, was appointed as Communications Officer for the Camdeboo Municipality, and filled the same post at the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality after the amalgamation of Camdeboo, Baviaans and Ikwezi.
She was very close to her parents, JJ and Elsie, and had a young son, Jacquin Courtnum, who turns 9 in just a few days’ time.
Her colleagues and friends remember her bubbly personality and her dedication to her work.
In a tribute from the Municipal Manager, he said that the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipal family is saddened by the sudden death of their colleague and friend.
He said that they have learned to know her as passionate and committed to her work as Communications Officer, a position she filled with distinction.
“Her passing has left a huge void in our hearts and we will forever nurture and cherish the fond memories we have of her. Our sympathies and thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace,” said Dr Rankwana.
Cllr Samantha Graham, speaking as caucus leader of the DA, said the Democratic Alliance in the Dr Beyers Naude Municipality is deeply saddened by the sudden, untimely death of Smith.
“Leolynn was extremely passionate about her work and had worked closely with all of our councillors in carrying out her duties. Our Ward Councillors, in particular, relied on her for assistance in the planning and promotion of their community meetings and Leolynn was always happy to assist where she could,” said Graham.
She also commented on Smith’s quiet and calming manner. “She never raised her voice or spoke badly to anyone, no matter how much pressure she was under. And everything she did was accompanied by her beautiful smile.”
Graham praised Smith’s devotion to her young son. “He often accompanied her to evening meetings when she had to work. How deeply tragic that he will grow up without her love and support.”
The Democratic Alliance Caucus offered its deepest condolences to her parents and young son, and shares in the mourning for the loss of “a beautiful young woman who was taken far too early from all of us”.
A very moving tribute was received from the Mayor, on behalf of Smith’s colleagues. Mayor de Vos first met Leolynn when he was Speaker for the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, and he was delighted to resume a working relationship with her when he was appointed as mayor.
“God allowed us to meet an Angel and she was perfect. A young energetic lady entered the halls of the municipality in 2014. Vibrant and full of life. Stylish and oh so funky. She took on each task with so much dedication, and nothing deterred her from giving her utmost best. Long hours she sacrificed to ensure that our stories be told to the community. She was dependable and nothing was too much for her.
It is with great sadness that we have to bid farewell to Leolynn Smith. We all wonder what you were thinking during your last moments. Did you wonder if your life matters? Well, let us tell you, IT DID. These few years together you touched our hearts with your kindness, your laughter, your positive energy, and above all else, your beautiful, beautiful smile.
Leolynn was committed to her job. She served her colleagues and the community with passion, love and kindness. She would never say no to assisting anyone knocking on her door for help. Running up and down to meet deadlines for articles and reports was the way in which we knew her. She really was an anchor of this municipality.
We would like to thank her parents, siblings, and handsome son for sharing her with us. What a beautiful, respectful, caring young lady you raised!
You were one of a kind, a true gem from the Karoo, our earthly angel. While we are mourning your passing, the angels are rejoicing to meet you behind the veil. Go well our true friend and colleague. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.”
Read previous articles:
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
