Reeva Steenkamp wasn’t just a model and law graduate, she was an advocate for women’s rights, a daughter, and a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. On 14 February 2013 she died tragically at the age of just 29. Reeva was a woman whose warmth, intelligence and dedication was establishing her as a powerful voice against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Reeva completed her law degree at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2005 and she was using her growing public platform to raise awareness about domestic abuse. Sadly, she became a symbol of the very issue she was fighting so hard against. Her parents, Barry and June Steenkamp, have worked tirelessly to preserve their daughter’s legacy. The Reeva Steenkamp Foundation supports women and children affected by domestic violence. June chose to meet with Oscar Pistorius as part of her journey toward healing. Such an act demonstrates extraordinary courage, dignity and strength. REMEMBERING REEVA 2025 4 November 2012, Feather Awards held at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. South Africa’s Olympic sprint star Oscar Pistorius and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Image: LUCKY NXUMALO/AFP Before her passing, her final message, posted the day before her death read: “What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay.” These words continue to resonate. A cruel and timely reminder of a beautiful future lost on a day synonymous with love. Oscar Pistorius was initially sentenced in 2014 for culpable homicide. However, this was later upgraded to murder on appeal. He served half his 13-year sentence, before being granted parole in late 2023. He was released in January 2024 under strict parole conditions of regular therapy and zero media interviews. VALENTINE’S DAY LOST The loss of Reeva Steenkamp is still felt by millions to this day. Image: File However, this Valentine’s Day, let’s remember a woman who dreamed of making a difference. Reeva’s mother once said: “She had so many things that she wanted to do when she was qualified. And she would have been doing these things to help the young women in abusive relationships in South Africa.” So, let’s immortalise Reeva Steenkamp not for how she died, but for how she would have wished all of us to live on. With purpose, compassion and a determination to make South Africa a better place in the fight against GBV. May her light continue to shine through the foundation that bears her name. Rest in peace, Reeva … WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT REEVA? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send us a WhatsApp on 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African’s newsletter and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest FREE-to-read news.

Pistorius' father claims that Oscar was failed by the South African justice system.

Oscar Pistorius’ father Henke has declined to comment on his son’s participation in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon challenge in Durban last weekend. Pistorius, who is out on parole for the Valentines Day murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013, participated in the event that took place at Ushaka beach on Sunday, raising the ire of the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (Udemwo). Udemwo condemned convicted murderer Pistorius’ participation in the Ironman sporting event, labelling it a blatant insult to the memory of his deceased girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Henk’s only response when contacted was that his son was capable of speaking for himself. Sunday was Pistorius’ first public appearance in sport since being granted parole in January 2024, following the murder of Steenkamp 12 years ago. Pistorius, widely recognised as the ‘Blade Runner’, completed the race, which consisted of swimming, cycling and running, with a time of 5:56:39. His return to the public sporting domain has triggered vehement reactions. Thandi Nontenja, member of parliament and Udemwo secretary general, says the organisation was appalled to learn that Pistorius participated in the triathlon. According to media reports, his attorney Conrad Dormehl confirmed the athlete’s involvement as “part of his rehabilitation”, and Pistorius’ parole officer allegedly approved his travel from Pretoria to Durban, she says. Nontenja states that this was unacceptable, and the fact that Pistorius was granted parole in the first place was a travesty of justice. “His public return to sport as though nothing happened is a deep insult to the memory of Reeva Steenkamp and a painful reminder to her loved ones that her life was violently cut short. She will never again celebrate a birthday or milestone, while the man who ended her life enjoys the privilege of sport and public presence. “This situation leaves a bitter taste for women in South Africa,” says Nontenja. “In a country overwhelmed by gender-based violence and femicide, how can a convicted murderer be allowed to resume normal life so easily? How is it possible that a man who committed such a horrific crime against a woman is now participating in events alongside law-abiding citizens?” she asks. According to Nontenja, this was a glaring indictment of South Africa’s justice system. She says the fact that Pistorius was free and engaging in leisure activities was a “slap in the face” to the Steenkamp family and to every survivor of gender-based violence. “It shows just how poorly the country is doing in enforcing laws that are meant to protect women. Our parole system is failing the very people it is supposed to safeguard,” she says. Udemwo demands that Pistorius not be allowed to live as though he were a free man while on parole. “Public sporting events are for citizens who have not committed unspeakable crimes. We also demand a thorough investigation into the conduct of his parole officer,” says Nontenja. She adds that the organisation was equally concerned about the failure of the National Prosecuting Authority under the leadership of advocate Shamila Batohi to prioritise and effectively prosecute gender-based violence cases. She says Udemwo remained committed to fighting for justice for all victims of gender-based violence. “We will not be silent in the face of a justice system that continues to fail women in South Africa,” states Nontenja. Speaking after Pistorius was granted parole, Reeva’s mother, June Steenkamp, said there could never be justice if your loved one was never coming back. “No amount of time served will bring Reeva back . . .We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence.” Asked what her reaction is to Pistorius returning to sport, June’s lawyer, Tania Koen, says June’s focus was on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation and continuing Reeva’s legacy. “What Oscar does is of no significance to her.” – IOL The post Oscar Pistorius’ return to sport, a disrespect to Reeva Steenkamp’s legacy appeared first on The Namibian.