[13][14] Van Zyl was born on 3 April 1976 in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe).

[17] Dr Sindisiwe Van Zyl interned at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

[21] She was a natural short sleeper requiring about 4 hours of sleep per night while functioning normally.

[22] Her scientific research has included guidelines to support HIV-affected individuals and couples to achieve pregnancy safely[23] and COVID-19 and HIV co-infection.

Memorials of Dr Sindi included people posting themselves on social media wearing dresses with pockets, which was her signature style.