Williams (59), who died of a heart attack, was a well-known Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor who represented Ward 5 in the Knysna Municipal Council, serving the areas of Brenton, Belvidere, Buffel's Bay and Rheenendal.
Her husband, Anthony (55) said that his wife’s death came as a shock to the family. Only days before, her doctor had given her a clean bill of health after a routine check-up of her heart and Williams was very happy about the good news. Anthony recalled that she returned home on Sunday afternoon, tired but happy after attending a Freedom Day celebration at Dam-se-Bos. At about 18.30, while she was watching television with her only daughter Deirdré Kock (28) and a grandchild, she suddenly started struggling to breathe.
Kock tried to help her, but her mother passed away within minutes. Anthony and Magdalena Williams have been married for 32 years and have been living in Rheenendal for thirty years.
Williams, who was well-known and much-loved in her community will be sorely missed, stated Knysna municipal manager, Lauren Waring in a media release issued by the Knysna Municipality. She said that Williams was passionate and committed to improving the lives of ordinary people and that she fought very hard to improve conditions in poorer communities.
During her years as ward councillor, Williams focused on helping needy children and the elderly in the various communities she served, especially in Rheenendal. With her help, many soup kitchens were realised. It was also with her help that the children of Rheenendal received a play park late last year “so they can play where they are safe”, she had said in an interview with the Knysna-Plett Herald.
Williams was known for her no-nonsense approach when it came to matters close to the heart of the community members she served. For instance, she was very distraught when she spoke on behalf of the Rheenendal community about the repeated postponement of the court case against the alleged murderer of nine-year-old Rosaline 'Paulatjie' Philander who died on August 31. She warned, “Unless justice prevails swiftly, the community will start taking matters into their own hands.”
Williams also oversaw the upgrading of the Brenton-on-Sea beach walkway and the erection of guard rails.
Georlene Wolmarans visited the Williams family at their home in Main Road, Rheenendal, on Monday, April 28 to pay her last respect and offer support. She said that she was deeply saddened by Williams’ death, and added Williams had became a close friend and confidant over the years. “She was a genuine, hard-working colleague who worked tirelessly to better the lives of the people of Ward 5.”
A by-election will be held to fill the vacancy left by Williams' passing.
At the time of going to press, the family had not made funeral arrangements yet. Williams is survived by her husband Anthony, her daughter, Deirdré Kock and two grandchildren: Natalie (7) and Nateesha Kock (3).
The Knysna Municipal Council convened a Special Council Meeting to pass a motion of concolence to the family and loved ones of Councilor Magdalena Williams on Wednesday, April 30 at 15.30 at the Municipal Council Chambers in Clyde Street, Knysna.
The family of Ward Councillor Magda Williams of Ward 5 are shocked and saddened by her death on Sunday, April 27 at her home in Rheenendal."I've not only lost a mother, but also my best friend" , said Deirdré Kock. With her is her father Anthony Williams.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
