An emotional farewell unfolded on Sunday when eight-year-old Khumo paid tribute to her late mother, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, during her funeral. Khumo's words captured the pain of losing a mother at such a young age. Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old runner, was one of nine women whose deaths are being investigated in Ekurhuleni. Her body was identified by her family at the Germiston mortuary after she disappeared following an afternoon run on September 10.
Khumo spoke directly to her mother, describing the emptiness left behind by her death while holding on to the love and memories they shared. She said that although she could no longer hold her mother's hand or see her smile, the memories they created together would remain with her forever. Khumo's tribute was a poignant moment in the funeral, showcasing the deep bond between a child and her mother.
During her tribute, Khumo said she would look to the sky whenever she felt lonely and imagine her mother watching over her. She expressed the longing that comes with losing someone she loved deeply, saying she wished her mother could still be there to embrace her. Khumo promised to remember her mother as she grew older, holding on to the things her mother had done for her and believing that her mother would continue to watch over her from above.
Khumo ended her tribute with a tender declaration of love, calling herself her mother's "beautiful daughter" and "princess". The funeral was held in Pankop township, Mpumalanga, with mourners in attendance. Moselakgomo's death has sparked an outpouring of support for her family, particularly her daughter.
A fundraising campaign supporting the education of Khumo was launched on September 14 and raised over R100,000, surpassing its original target of R50,000. The campaign, authorised by BackaBuddy, aimed to establish an education fund to support Khumo's educational journey in the years ahead. Every contribution will help towards school/university fees, educational needs, and other costs associated with her education.
The campaign's organisers stated that while they cannot fill the space left by a parent, they can come together as a community to help provide something lasting: the gift of education and the opportunity for a brighter future. They expressed hope that, through the generosity of friends, fellow runners, and everyone whose life Moselakgomo touched, they can create a foundation that provides stability, opportunity, and hope for Khumo's future.
Moselakgomo's daughter is now being supported by a community that wants to honour her mother's memory in a way that will continue long after the finish line. The education fund will ensure that Khumo has the opportunity to pursue her dreams, and the community's love and support will be turned into a lasting legacy.
Key points
- A fundraising campaign for Khumo's education raised over R100,000.
- Elizabeth Moselakgomo was one of nine women whose deaths are being investigated in Ekurhuleni.
- Khumo's tribute to her mother showcased the deep bond between a child and her mother.
