That's the sentiment of the family of the first confirmed COVID-19 death in the Northern Cape.

Last month, Nomihlani Mkala was admitted to a healthcare facility with diabetes and congestive heart failure.

She passed away less than 24 hours later.

"She was taken to hospital because she wasn't well. She was admitted," said Mkala's sister, Nosummer Ngcuka.

"And Monday morning we were told that she was no more."

Mkala's family says they've lost someone who was very special.

"COVID-19 prevented us from seeing her for the last time. It was so hard," said Ngcuka.

"She was our pillar of strength; she was helping us a lot."

Ngcuka says she and her nieces will need counselling to deal with their painful loss.

eNCA