IT was a bittersweet moment for Rent A Maid owner, Simon Coetzer, when he learned that his company had been crowned a winner in the Best of Toti Reader’s Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.
This year’s victory, however, carries far greater meaning. Coetzer is dedicating the award to his wife, Yolandi, who passed away on April 26.
An emotional Coetzer said the recognition is special not only because of the continued support of their loyal customers, but because he knows Yolandi would have been immensely proud of what they had built together.
“I bought the business about five years ago for Yolandi. At the time, I was working outside the country as a safety practitioner and wanted to give her something that would keep her busy. As the business grew, I eventually joined Rent A Maid full-time,” said Coetzer.
The couple worked side by side every day. “Every morning, we had our routine. We would do the bookings and staff allocations together. While I was dropping staff off at their various jobs, Yolandi would be in the office assisting clients. Our clients loved her. She wasn’t just the voice of the company locally, she became the voice of the business throughout South Africa, often taking the time to help people interested in buying a franchise. She touched so many lives, but her passing has left a crater in mine,” he said.
The past six months were particularly difficult as Yolandi’s health deteriorated. Coetzer explained that her decline began during the Covid-19 pandemic when the virus severely affected her heart function.
“She was hospitalised several times and, at one stage, the doctor told me she only had about six months to live. I never told her that at the time.”
Despite her illness, Yolandi remained deeply devoted to her faith. “Every night she would hold my hand and pray for everyone and everything. She always said she just wanted to be happy, and I tried my best to make her happy.”
Her condition worsened on April 10, when she was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia. “In the days leading up to April 23, she developed laryngitis and a severe cough. She often chose to sleep in the lounge because she didn’t want to disturb me. On April 25, when I came downstairs, she was sleeping there again, but it looked as though she had withered away overnight,” he said.
Coetzer initially called an ambulance, but ultimately decided to drive her to King Edward Hospital, where she received treatment. She was given morphine to ease her pain before being transferred to a ward.
“I left the hospital to charge our phones. At around 20:30, I sent her a text message, but when she didn’t reply, I eventually went to bed. Very early the next morning, friends arrived at my house to tell me Yolandi had passed away at around 01:00. I couldn’t believe them. I had to see for myself,” said Coetzer.
Her memorial service was held on April 30. He said one conversation with his wife will remain with him forever.
“Just before she was moved to the ward, the doctor told me I should say goodbye to her. I had no idea it would be the last time I would ever see her. I kissed her on the forehead and told her I loved her. She said she loved me very much and thanked me for everything. Those were the last words we shared,” said Coetzer.
Although the loss has been overwhelming, Simon remains determined to continue the business they built together. “I miss Yolandi terribly every single day, but I will keep going. This award is for her, and I will continue leading Rent A Maid in her honour,” he said.
