Tributes pour in for City activist Mike Heyns
MESSAGES of condolence from ratepayers and residents’ associations are pouring in following the death of lobby group, StopCoCT co-founder Mike Heyns, who died on Monday.
Heyns, 58, was admitted to hospital on Wednesday last week after a long battle with a lung-related illness. Heyns championed the online platform where he posed critical questions about the City's policies, by-laws, financial reports and annual budgets.
Co-founder Sandra Dickson described Heyns as a fearless activist who didn’t work to appease anyone or to score points. She said his analysis was always open, accurate, detailed and focused to improve the hardships many endured.
“Without asking for anything or ever complaining about his difficult health condition, Mike was always available to respond and to assist anyone that was in need of information or help with City of Cape Town issues.
“The many phone calls, reams of WhatsApp messages and emails are now silent. The hundreds of messages left by members of our group in reply to his passing stand as a solid testimony of a man whose life was used to the fullest to better the lives of others through the means of his sharp mind, diligence, dedication and extraordinary skills,” she said.
Heyns’ daughter Yolandi Bothma said after falling ill in 2006, and unable to go out, her father concentrated his efforts on helping people by other means. “We always knew what he was doing for city residents but only realised how much it meant when we saw all the messages pouring in; to call him a hero is an understatement.
He was always helpful in every way, starting with the army, becoming a husband, father of two and grandfather of four.
“He started many companies and was a huge success. He had the knowledge that some of us only dream of. He was such a great father, always gave the best advice and was always there for us,” said Bothma.
Goodwood Ratepayers and Residents Association chairperson Faizel Petersen said Heyns was not shy to be bold in his approach. “He was a helpful person towards anyone who reached out to him, looking for guidance and advice, and I can state that in recent years I was able to touch base with him to get his input and guidance on matters we dealt with as a community structure.
“We are poorer as a city for his loss; he was a man who ensured he kept the City of Cape Town transparent and accountable,” said Petersen.