In memory of Jan, a friend of the poor
On Wednesday June 22 our friend and former colleague Jan van der Walt suffered a heart attack followed by a stroke. On the evening of Monday June 27 he passed away. At the time of his death Jan, who was 53, was in Cape Town with his wife, Susan, who is in Groote Schuur Hospital recovering from heart surgery.
Jan started working for FoodBank as a volunteer warehouse advisor when FoodBank’s founding organisations were negotiating the amalgamation of their resources to partner in the fight against hunger.
At the time Jan worked alongside hunger champions and FoodBank leaders such as the late Bob Forney. In 2009 after the formation of FoodBank South Africa, Jan was appointed executive director of FoodBank Johannesburg, a position he held until the company centralised its operation. In 2010 Jan moved to the food sourcing department as a consultant to FoodBank SA. His main responsibility was to source more food for the agencies we serve. Jan, who was passionate about serving the poor, excelled at his job and encouraged more farmers to donate food to FoodBank. The increased volumes of fresh produce enabled FoodBank to serve more agencies.
Jan was a committed husband, father and colleague who always encouraged others and worked tirelessly for the poor.
Jan is survived by his wife Susan and the couple’s three children – Jan-at, Le-zanne and Juanita – and their spouses and children. – Mpho Putu
In memory of the man with the ‘sunshine smile’
Melikhaya Eric Ngcotsholo – or Eric, as he was known to us – was born on May 7, 1975 on a farm outside Port Elizabeth. When the owner of the farm, former FoodBank director Colin Fox, sold the farm, Eric moved into town. There he met his wife Aqhama Miliswa and the couple had two children Asemahle,who is now 9, and Philasande, who is 4. Sadly Eric’s wife passed away in October 2009.
Eric was a humble and hard-working man, who was always willing to help. Nothing was too much to ask of him. He worked for Robin Good from inception and joined FoodBank when Robin Good in Port Elizabeth teamed up with FoodBank. Eric will be sorely missed by all, including the staff of our agencies who referred to him affectionately as the guy with the “sunshine smile”.
Eric passed away on May 19, 2011. FoodBank has lost more than an excellent colleague. We have lost a great friend. May he rest in peace. – Duane Brassell
