This is how Thembakazi Mzamo will remember Siphenathi 'Eric' Mzamo, her older brother who tragically drowned when he went into the surf to try and save two people in distress off Dias beach on Thursday, 27 February.
Although they cared for others also, Alfred and Victoria Mzamo had only two children and, according to Thembakazi, she and Eric always playfully argued over who was their parent's favourite.
Originally from Covimqaba in the Eastern Cape, the family has lived in Mossel Bay 'for as long as I can remember', Thembakazi told the Mossel Bay Advertiser.
"From what we have heard, my brother realised a woman, a visitor from Cape Town, was in trouble in deep water in the sea. He then took off his shirt and handed his cellphone to someone on the beach and said he was just quickly going to help the woman," Thembakazi said.
Eric disappeared in the surf and, despite uninterrupted searching by police divers, his body washed up onto the beach the following day.
"My brother's passing has come as quite a shock to my parents, especially my mom. My brother was a very handy, loving, people's person. He was always busy fixing things, such as radios and electronic equipment. We will miss him very much," Thembakazi added.
Alfred, Thembakazi and Victoria Mzamo mourn the passing of Siphenathi 'Eric' Mzamo, whose funeral will take place from their house at 49 Gentswana Drive, KwaNonqaba, at 10:00, on Saturday, 15 March.
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