In a heart-wrenching situation, a Lesotho family residing in an informal settlement in Gauteng is still unable to bury their 3-year-old daughter, Kamogelo Nthakong, six months after a devastating shack fire. The tragedy has been compounded by the family’s struggle to access essential services due to their lack of legal documentation as Lesotho nationals, leaving them without the necessary support to lay their child to rest.
The Tragic Incident
The devastating fire, which occurred in October 2024, took the life of little Kamogelo, leaving her family grieving and without closure. Since the tragedy, the family has been unable to secure permanent housing, and the child’s remains have been left at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane. The family’s inability to bury their daughter is due to a lack of documentation that would allow them to access funeral services and other essential support.
Ongoing Struggles
The family’s situation is dire, as explained by Bongani Ramontja, the National Chairperson of Soil of Africa (SOA), who spoke to The Citizen. Ramontja highlighted that the Maleka family is grappling with more than just emotional loss—they are facing severe financial hardship, with no permanent shelter, food insecurity, and inadequate clothing. Their inability to raise funds for Kamogelo’s burial is compounded by the lack of legal documents, which has prevented them from receiving help from government services.
“Their living state is disheartening,” Ramontja said. “They are struggling with proper housing, food, clothes, and the necessary finances to bury their daughter.” Despite attempts from community members to assist, the family’s financial strain means they are unable to afford the costs of a proper burial.
Lack of Legal Documentation
The primary barrier preventing the family from accessing necessary services is their lack of legal documentation as Lesotho nationals. Without these documents, the Maleka family has been unable to officially register Kamogelo’s death, which is a crucial step in arranging the funeral. “No documentation so far. That’s one of the reasons why the burial process is being delayed,” Ramontja said.
A Call for Urgent Help
SOA has stepped in to help the family, urging government departments and civil society organizations to intervene and assist the Maleka family in achieving closure. The organization has called for urgent action from relevant stakeholders to ensure that Kamogelo is given the burial she deserves. Ramontja stressed the importance of the family receiving support from both the public and private sectors to help them navigate this incredibly difficult situation.
The Need for Community Support
Despite limited resources, the community surrounding the Maleka family has attempted to offer support. However, as Ramontja pointed out, many community members are also facing financial difficulties, which limits the amount of assistance they can provide.
“The family approached us because they’ve been sent from pillar to post by officials. Few community members have tried to assist, but due to financial hardship, they couldn’t offer enough support,” Ramontja said.
A Heartbreaking Situation
The Maleka family’s plight highlights the challenges faced by many migrants and refugees in South Africa, particularly those without legal documentation. The barriers they face in accessing essential services not only prevent them from finding stable housing but also deny them the right to bury their loved one with dignity. As the family continues to endure hardships, the call for intervention grows stronger.
SOA’s efforts to bring attention to this tragic case serve as a reminder of the urgent need for support systems for migrants and vulnerable communities. The family’s inability to bury their daughter has brought to light the broader issues of documentation, access to services, and the struggles of many others who live in similar circumstances.
The Need for Urgent Action
The Maleka family’s story is a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of undocumented migrants in South Africa. Six months after the fire that claimed Kamogelo’s life, they are still waiting for the closure they desperately need. It is imperative that the relevant authorities, as well as civil society, come together to ensure that this family, and others in similar situations, receive the help they need to move forward.
This case calls for a collective response to support families facing bureaucratic barriers, ensuring that no one is denied basic human dignity, especially in times of tragedy.
{Source: The Citizen}
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