Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to departed colleague, Bernard Janse van Rensburg

For immediate release
11 June 2024

Last week, Thursday, 6 June 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), family and friends of the late Bernard Janse van Rensburg gathered at the municipality’s Council Chambers, to hold a memorial service for him after his passing on 26 May 2024.

At the age of 48, Bernard left a profound void in the hearts of his coworkers, family, and friends, who joined together to honour his memory on this occasion. Among those present were also Bernard’s wife, Lynette Janse van Rensburg.

Trix Holtzhausen, Executive Manager of the GRDM Corporate Services Department, shared Bernard’s work history as an employee of municipality after he was permanently appointed at the Municipality’s Roads Department as Senior Switchboard Operator on 1 October 2009.  He was later temporarily seconded to the GRDM head office on 1 November 2022 to form part of the Communications Team and thereafter he left for his final position as the “friendly voice of the municipality” – the Senior Switchboard Operator for the organisation.

During his time at GRDM, he completed his BA Communication Science Degree and also a Sound Engineering Diploma. These qualifications proved that he was passionate about the multimedia industry, including music, movie productions, and written content creation, to name a few. These were emphasised by a former colleague, Angeline Naidoo who conveyed a comforting message to his family, friends and colleagues describing him as a multi-talented individual. She said: “Of all the talents he had, he was a boffin in electronics, but that his voice was one of the best talents he had”. She added: “And he left us with that voice, which we are forever grateful for”.

In a touching tribute by a friend of two decades, Johan du Toit reminisced about Bernard’s adventurous spirit and that the two of them shared many life experiences. He also remembered his friend as being a body builder who was also a participant of martial arts. Describing him as being brilliant in his production works, he also had a great sense of humour and his general knowledge of music and movies was incomparable”, he said:

Lastly, he added: “Thank you for the privilege of knowing you and that I could call you my friend Bernard. Thank you for being inspirational – we will miss you”.

John Daniels, Bernard’s former Executive Manager at the GRDM’s Roads Department praised Bernard for his professionalism and unwavering composure in navigating workplace challenges. “With his calm demeanour, he could deal with and handle any type of situation in the workplace”. Councillor George Maloyi also comforted the family and Bernard’s wife with words of solace to carry them through this time of sorrow.

Holtzhausen further remembered the late Bernard as an extremely dedicated colleague and his meticulous attention to detail. “He was very particular when it comes to detail, and very gifted indeed,” she said. “The voice of the Garden Route became quiet, but will remain in our hearts,” she added.

Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu extended words of gratitude to Lynette for the opportunity that GRDM was allowed to share in the life of Bernard, as a colleague, as an employee and as a friend “and for affording the GRDM the opportunity to spend this time with the family in their time of grief.

In closing Stratu said: “I was privileged to have worked closely with Bernard when he was seconded to the Communications Unit,” a section housed in the Office of the Municipal Manager and “we were privileged to witness him being a ‘genius’ in the work he performed for the organisation. I am happy and personally grateful that him being part of this organisation happened in my lifetime. He was indeed one of the best, professional, gifted and a loved colleague”, Stratu concluded.

Rest in Peace Bernard, you will be sorely missed.

ENDS