After a heartbreaking seven-month delay, three-year-old Kamogelo Mokhabi Nthakong was finally laid to rest on Friday, 16 May 2025, at Heatherly Cemetery in Mamelodi East, Tshwane. The young girl tragically lost her life in a shack fire in the Nellmapius informal settlement on 10 October 2024. Her burial was postponed as the family awaited DNA test results to confirm her identity.
The funeral brought a sense of closure and relief to Kamogelo’s grieving family, who had been living in emotional limbo since the tragic incident. Her mother, 21-year-old Ntsoaki Nthakong, expressed mixed feelings of sorrow and relief. “It was painful knowing that my child was lying in a mortuary. I’m grateful to everyone who made sure she got a dignified burial, especially the Soil of Africa organization,” she said.
The little girl’s stepfather, Tshidiso Radiapeng, 25, shared how the loss deeply affected the family. “We are still struggling to cope. This almost tore us apart, but we’re thankful she’s finally resting with dignity.”
Kamogelo’s grandmother, Elizabeth Maleka, aged 66, echoed this sentiment. “I’m happy that my grandchild is finally buried in a respectful way,” she said, while local community member Percy Dennison, 44, added, “It was heartbreaking to see a child go so long without being buried. The family really needs counselling after everything they’ve been through.”
Bongani Ramontja, Chairman of Soil of Africa, the organisation that stepped in to support the family, highlighted the many challenges they faced in ensuring Kamogelo received a proper funeral. “We had to fight hard with forensic services to get the DNA results released. Then we had to handle all funeral logistics, including securing a casket and organizing the service,” he explained.
Ramontja pointed out that the municipality provided no assistance during the ordeal. “We ended up spending over R25,000 on the funeral, but it was worth it. We just wanted to make sure this child had a dignified send-off,” he said.
He also confirmed that Soil of Africa has arranged counselling for the grieving family to help them begin the healing process after this prolonged and traumatic experience.
The community’s involvement and support during the funeral showcased the solidarity and compassion among residents in times of tragedy. Despite the immense pain, the family now finds some solace in knowing that Kamogelo was finally given the farewell she deserved.
The tragic story of Kamogelo’s untimely death and delayed burial is a somber reminder of the struggles many families in under-resourced communities face, particularly when bureaucracy and financial challenges hinder their ability to find closure after a loss.
Kamogelo Mokhabi Nthakong’s story, though filled with grief, also reflects resilience, community spirit, and the enduring hope for justice, healing, and dignity—even in the most painful circumstances.