The family of Itumeleng Kekana continues to mourn the devastating loss of a loving mother, hardworking provider and woman who dedicated her life to creating a better future for her minor child.

Itumeleng was a woman of many talents. She worked as a dress designer and tailor, while also selling various items to earn an income and provide for her family.

As the breadwinner, she worked tirelessly to ensure that her child was cared for and had a better future.

According to family spokesperson Dawn Gounden of Renegade Search and Rescue, Itumeleng left her sister’s tuckshop at approximately 18:00 on July 17 after receiving a call from a customer requesting a delivery.

Gounden said making deliveries was something Itumeleng regularly did as part of her work, but on that evening, she never returned home.

Also read: Body of missing Itumeleng Kekana found near Pomona informal settlement

A friend alerted Itumeleng’s boyfriend, who informed the family. A missing persons report was subsequently opened, with family and friends beginning a desperate search for answers.

Gounden said there were no confirmed sightings of Itumeleng during the search.

“Few hours after she had gone missing, there were two African males who were seen in the area attempting to sell a cellphone. A neighbour recognised the cellphone as belonging to Itumeleng and alerted the community,” Gounden said.

“The males reportedly claimed they had found the phone, but no further information was obtained.”

On August 3, a body was discovered along Great North Road in Pomona, Kempton Park. The body was later identified as that of Itumeleng.

Her death was subsequently recorded among the cases involving women whose bodies have been discovered in the Ekurhuleni area in recent months.

For her family, the loss has been devastating, particularly as Itumeleng was violently killed and leaves behind a child who is now growing up without her mother.

Also read: Police pursue person of interest, offer R400 000 reward

The family remembers her as someone who worked tirelessly to provide for and care for those she loved, while building a better life for her child.

Itumeleng was more than a victim. She was a mother, provider, daughter, friend and a woman with dreams for her child’s future.

Her family continues to hope that the investigation will uncover the circumstances surrounding her death and that those responsible will be brought to justice.

Gounden said a BackaBuddy campaign, “Itumeleng Kekana: Buried But Not Forgotten”, has been launched to assist Itumeleng’s minor child and provide support for her future.

Those who are able to assist can contribute through the BackaBuddy campaign.

Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child who has lost her mother.

“Let us remember Itumeleng for the woman she was in life, selfless, hardworking, loving and devoted to her child,” Gounden said.