A tale of resilience and compassion: Corné van Zyl's journey after Covid-19

Corné van Zyl’s life is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to family.

Surviving a harrowing six-day ICU battle with Covid-19 has offered her a renewed perspective on life, one that she aims to impart to her loved ones, especially her son, Logan.

Born and raised in the picturesque village of Southbroom, KwaZulu-Natal, van Zyl embodies the spirit of a storyteller.

Her voice resonates as she reflects on her life's journey, firmly believing that fortitude is essential when life challenges us.

“I want him to see that a woman can lead with both strength and compassion, chase her dreams unapologetically, and still put her family at the heart of everything she does,” she asserts.

With a journalism career spanning over 13 years, van Zyl has made her mark across various fast-paced newsrooms, covering a diverse range of topics from urgent breaking news to human-interest stories that deeply connect with readers.

Her leadership as Deputy Group Editor at Rekord Community Newspapers not only allowed her to lead editorial teams but also provided her with the opportunity to mentor young journalists, ensuring every story is shared with integrity and impact.

Today, van Zyl seamlessly balances her writing and journalism passions with her new role as co-owner of Elegant Jewellers in Southbroom.

Partnering with her high school sweetheart, Charles, the dynamic duo have transformed their shared passion for creativity into a thriving business.

While Charles is hailed as the master goldsmith and setter, van Zyl oversees the day-to-day operations, admin, and marketing, creating jewelry that resonates with the stories of love and perseverance.

Embracing her multifaceted life, van Zyl notes that while juggling work and her personal life can be challenging, she believes it’s about balance.

“Working remotely allows me the flexibility to meet deadlines and chase stories while still being there for my son and being involved in our family’s day-to-day life,” she explains.

“It means early mornings, late nights, and sometimes typing away while sitting next to a quad bike track, but it also means I don’t miss the moments that matter.”

A pillar of strength is her mother, who has always been a steadfast role model.

Reflecting on her mother’s unwavering resilience through traumatic experiences, van Zyl says, “She raised four children, survived an abusive marriage, and endured the devastating loss of a child, and through it all, she has never stopped loving us unconditionally.

Her strength, resilience, and unwavering love have shaped who I am today and taught me that you can face life’s hardest moments with grace, determination, and an open heart.”

Ultimately, van Zyl’s life story is not just one of survival; it is a powerful testament to the nurturing of dreams, the embrace of creativity, and the unwavering bond of family.

Each piece of jewelry she creates is not just an object but a narrative, embedding love and resilience into every design, leaving her imprint not only on the community around her but also on the hearts of those she cherishes.