Kamogelo Mokhabi Nthakong laid to rest after waiting for 7 months

Kamogelo Mokhabi Nthakong (3) was laid to rest at the Heatherly Cemetery in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, on Friday, 16 May.

The family expressed their gratitude to the organisation Soil of Africa and others who contributed to ensuring the burial was conducted with dignity.

Kamogelo tragically lost her life in a fire that destroyed a shack in the Nellmapius informal settlement, Tshwane, on 10 October 2024.

The funeral was delayed as the family awaited DNA results.

Kamogelo’s mum, Ntsoaki Nthakong, aged 21, found it difficult to accept but felt a sense of relief that her daughter was finally being buried in a dignified manner.

“I’m feeling better. It was painful knowing that my kid was lying in a mortuary. I’m grateful to everyone who helped to see that my kid is buried, especially Soil of Africa,” she said.

The stepfather of the departed toddler, Tshidiso Radiapeng (25), said losing a kid always hurts.

“We are still struggling to cope. This almost divided us, but we are happy the kid will be laid in a dignified manner,” he said.

Gogo Elizabeth Maleka (66) said: “I’m happy. Finally, my grandchild is buried in a respected way.”

Community member Percy Dennison (44) said: “This was not good to see a kid not getting buried for all these months.”

She said they needed counselling.

Chairman of Soil of Africa, Bongani Ramontja, described the journey to assist the family as challenging.

“We had to fight with the forensics to get DNA results. We had to organise the funeral to make sure that there was a casket for a kid. We did all the logistics for the funeral.”

He said the municipality didn’t assist during this funeral.

Ramontja said they spent over R25 000 for the funeral.

“We made sure the kid got a dignified funeral. We are sending our little one to be with the Lord.”

Ramontja said they have organised counselling for the family.