"Great Man Gone Too Soon”: Death of Monkey Rescuer Breaks Hearts, Community Remembers Steve Smit

• Steve Smit, a well-known animal rescuer based in Durban, passed away after a battle with cancer
• Known as 'the Monkey Man', Steve dedicated his life to rescuing vervet monkeys and other animals in KwaZulu-Natal
• Tributes poured in from people across the Durban community who were touched by his compassion and quiet dedication

Steve Smit, the Durban man known to many as "the Monkey Man," has died after battling cancer. His passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of animal lovers and community members across KwaZulu-Natal. Steve built his reputation one rescue at a time.

He was best known for his work with vervet monkeys, but those who knew him say his compassion stretched far beyond a single species. He gave time and patience to animals that had no voice, and to the people who loved them. Read the full tribute from IOL News below:

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Durban says goodbye to monkey man

News of his death spread quickly on social media, with hundreds paying tribute to a man many had never met in person but felt they knew through his work.

Lucille Berry Mason wrote:

"Although he was 'the monkey man' he rescued so much more than just monkeys. One of the MOST compassionate people I have ever encountered. Fly high special Steve."

Tracey Pavkovich Ferreira said:

"We didn't know you physically, Steve. But somehow, you took our hearts anyway. You were 'our monkey man', the one with that quiet, gentle compassion for our velvets, and for all animals who couldn't speak for themselves. Soft hands, big heart. People like you are rare."

Martin Combrinck added:

"Steve Smit was, in every sense, a true Hanuman, courageous, compassionate, devoted and fiercely protective of the animals he loved."

Jason Kimmerling shared:

"I am devastated. The world has lost a genuinely beautiful human being, but the lives he saved and the difference he made will live on through every monkey he rescued. Rest peacefully, Steve."

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Leigh-Anne Cowden wrote:

"We have lost an amazing human being. A legend."

Bessie Keegan said:

"Steve, we will miss the man that was always here for the people that will miss you. And all the monkeys. You made a difference to my life. Thank you for helping me to respect the monkeys and their lives. RIP."

Nikki Parent added:

"RIP Steve. Condolences to Carol and the family. Great man gone too soon."

Other Briefly News stories about deaths

• The passing of Karabo Makatela, a young mother and student, who succumbed to stage-four liver cancer after an 18-month battle.
• The death of Inanda FM presenter Ndoni Radebe, whose lifeless body was discovered in her Durban flat on 10 August 2026.
• The tragic loss of little Lehakoe and her mother, as the House of Tots preschool community grieves the heartbreaking event.

Source: Briefly News