13th anniversary of Reeva Steenkamp’s death marked amid ongoing grief
Saturday’s Valentine’s Day brought with it the sombre 13th anniversary of Reeva Steenkamp’s death, a loss that continues to reverberate through the lives of those closest to her, reports BritPanorama.
Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, was shot dead by her partner, Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, in 2013. Pistorius was subsequently convicted of culpable homicide, with that charge later upgraded to murder, before being released on parole in January 2024.
For Reeva’s family, this outcome in the justice system has left enduring wounds that remain unhealed more than a decade later. June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, has faced significant health challenges, receiving a diagnosis of Wernicke’s Aphasia, which affects her ability to process language and understand the passage of time.
Despite these difficulties, the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, which works against gender-based violence, asserts that June remains connected to her loved ones. In a statement, the foundation highlighted that memories persist beyond timelines: “Not through dates or timelines, but through the echoes of love and connection.”
Recently, the foundation described an emotional milestone for June. After engaging with several magazines, she recognized photos of herself and her family, calling out to her loved ones in a moment described as a blend of sorrow and triumph.
The foundation confirmed it would honour Reeva’s memory by lighting a candle on the anniversary, although they chose not to remind June of the day’s significance, prioritizing her peace and recovery. They emphasized the vital role of community support in helping June navigate both her grief and her health issues.
As Pistorius remains largely out of the public eye post-release, the challenge of reconciling the past with the present endures for June and those who continue to advocate for justice and healing in memory of Reeva Steenkamp.
