Sagel and Haylie Balsarang sat quietly in the dark living room of their home once filled with giggles and “heart-felt” conversations held between them and their late daughter, Shanika Balsarang. Both Sagel and Haylie sat, still in disbelief and shock, trying desperately to make sense of the last few days and come to terms with the tragic death of their only daughter.
Nine-year-old Shanika, a fourth grade learner at Acaciavale Primary School, passed away on 1 August after contracting Covid-19. Shanika and her mother were hospitalised on 30 July and shared a hospital room. Balsarang said that they are still suffering with the aftermath of contracting Covid-19 and it has been difficult and challenging. “We are all still recovering and the doctors have told us that it’s going to take a while, so every day is a challenge, not only health-wise, but trying to find healing from the pain of losing our daughter.” Balsarang, who wept while speaking about her “Sweet lollipop princess”, told The Ladysmith Herald that her heart and soul are beyond repair. “I pray that someone will wake me up from this horrid nightmare.”
Her parents say the house, since Shanika’s death, has been dark and cold. “There is a void that can not and will not be filled,” said Sagel Balsarang, the little girl’s father. Shanika was given a Covid-19 pack and had taken all the pills, including Ivermectin, with her family, as they all fought against the dreaded virus. Sagel, Haylie, Shanika and Sagel’s mother tested positive for Covid-19 and all had shown symptoms. “Even then she had worn her mask throughout the house and made sure that everyone was seen to,” said Haylie Balsarang, who explained that Shanika had no underlying illness, “To be honest with you, she was the healthiest among the three of us.”
Sagel Balsarang said that the government is not telling the truth about the effects of Covid-19 on children. “Children are not safe and the best way to protect them is to keep them at home, don’t even send them to the shop to buy bread.” Dr Imran Keeka, DA KZN Spokesperson on Education, added that it may also seem insensitive at this juncture to raise awareness of Covid-19, but the message would be incomplete if he did not. “For any parent, the loss of a child is unthinkable and when a child is lost, the hurt and grief are both extremely painful and near impossible to bear. While we will never know the parents’ sorrow and grief during this difficult time, I send sincere condolences to them and pray that the Almighty grants them strength and solace in all of the days ahead. Words alone will not console the parents and it is hoped that all of their memories together will bring some relief with the passage of time,” said Dr Keeka.
He went on to advise all who are eligible to take the vaccine, wear masks, keep their hands clean and maintain social distances. “If our children are sick, please do not think it is an ‘ordinary flu’ and send them to school. Keep them at home – even with the earliest symptoms – and only send them back when they are well. This must apply to all school staff as well. Our schools are a microcosm of our communities and if we want a safe, clean and healthy schooling environment, it must start with all of us outside of our schools,” Dr Keeka added. The grieving parents said that in the last month, Shanika had assured her parents that she loved them very much and she kept questioning them on the things that she loved to eat, watch and do. “Shanika would ask every day, what is her favourite colour or her favourite TV show and we had to answer her, it was like she knew that this will keep her memories alive with us.”
Shanika’s 13th day prayer was held on Friday, 13 August. “Shanika gave us the best nine years of our lives. You completed us and now we are incomplete,” said Haylie Balsarang. “Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not,” added Sagel Balsarang. The couple concluded that they hope and pray their story will not be forgotten and that people take heed and do anything humanly possible to keep their children safe. “Shanika was determined to become a doctor, I hope and pray that doctors learn from the tragedy of Shanika and use this to try and save the lives of other children.” The family thanked the community of Ladysmith and everyone who sent messages of condolence, love and strength.
