The iconic Jenna Clifford (65) passed away last night, only weeks after hearing the devastating news that she had cancer. Her bespoke jewellery designs and extensive homeware range established her as one of South Africa’s leading businesswomen.

The announcement of Clifford’s death came as a shock, as only close family and friends were aware of the battle she was fighting. She was treated in the Morningside Clinic.

Her daughters, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, say their mom ‘undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength and endless gratitude’.

Clifford had rubbed shoulders with the likes of former president Nelson Mandela, former American president Bill Clinton, Luciano Pavarotti and the crème de la crème of South Africa’s rich and famous.

Her bold, dramatic designs quickly gained popularity after she launched her business in 1992, with celebrities worldwide wearing JC designs.

Clifford was a vocal advocate of women’s rights and equality and was recognised for her efforts when she was chosen as a torchbearer for the United Nations Millennium Development Goals 3 project. She never stopped promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. As a role model to many women, Clifford was involved in various mentoring programmes that uplifted women.

At her beautiful home next to Longmere Dam in White River, Mpumalanga, her love and passion for nature and animals were evident in the many rescued donkeys and strays she took in. She was rarely seen without her poodle, Daisy, on her arm.

The property is home to impala, zebras and smaller antelope species, while around the house, the wailing calls of peacocks, ducks, and an army of dogs filled the air.

It was not uncommon for a donkey to pop into the kitchen while Clifford was at the stove, cooking up a storm for her guests. She was an avid cook, and music filled her beautifully decorated home.

She said it was on her rambling, nature-filled property that she found comfort and a chance to escape her hectic city life.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, warmth and love from so many people who have drawn close to Mom and us,” says Summer Clifford Kotzé, Clifford’s daughter, who is a content creation manager and photographer.

“We want to thank the doctors, nurses and the entire medical team at Mediclinic Morningside who cared for Mom with such compassion. And to each of you who sent messages, shared memories, held us in your hearts and prayed for Mom, we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your kindness and care.”

She says her mom was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many. “To hear and read your stories – to see our mom through your eyes – has been incredibly moving and truly comforting. She touched so many lives with her kindness, her unstinting generosity of spirit and her steadfast belief in the transformative and redeeming power of love.”

Her daughters say they are committed to continuing the remarkable Jenna Clifford story. “Our family business, Jenna Clifford, is her life’s work and is at the heart of our family.” They say that together, they will ensure their mom’s legacy endures.

The family will come together for a small, private funeral in the days ahead, and a memorial gathering will be held in Johannesburg to honour and celebrate her life with those who loved her. Details will be shared once available.

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