Saturday’s Valentine’s Day brought with it the sombre 13th anniversary of Reeva Steenkamp’s death, a loss that continues to reverberate through the lives of those closest to her.
The model and law graduate was shot dead by her partner, Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, in 2013.
Pistorius was subsequently convicted of culpable homicide, which that charge later upgraded to murder, before being released on parole in January 2024.
For Reeva’s family, this outcome in the justice system has left enduring wounds that remain unhealed more than a decade later.
June Steenkamp’s grief has been further compounded by significant health challenges in recent times.
Last year, she received a diagnosis of Wernicke’s Aphasia, a condition that impairs her capacity to process language and understand the passage of time.
Despite these difficulties, the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, which campaigns against gender-based violence, has emphasised that June remains connected to those she loves.
Oscar Pistorius murdered girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp back in 2013 | GETTY
They said: “I have been asked: Does June know? Yes, she does.
“Not through dates or timelines, but through the echoes of love and connection. Her world was woven with threads of Reeva and Barry and Simone threads she holds dear.”
The foundation has been working to keep June’s mind engaged and connected through reading activities, using magazines to help stimulate her memory.
June Steenkamp has experienced health issues in recent years
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GETTYThese efforts recently yielded a deeply touching moment of recognition.
“It was a poignant moment when June, after flipping through several magazines over several days, one day recognised photos of herself and her loved ones,” the foundation revealed.
“Her recognition was palpable ‘my baby’ and ‘Barry’ (husband) she pointed out. For us, it was a mixture of both sorrow and triumph.”
This breakthrough offered a bittersweet reminder of the bonds that persist despite June’s condition.
The foundation confirmed it would honour Reeva’s memory by lighting a candle on the anniversary, though they have chosen not to remind June of the day’s significance.
Oscar Pistorius pictured following his release from prison in 2024 | GETTY
“We won’t remind June of the significance of the day, as we prioritise June’s peace and focus on her healing,” the organisation explained.
They also stressed the vital role that community support plays in helping June navigate both her grief and her illness.
“June has always said that the support and kindness of others was what carried her through her darkest times,” the foundation added, urging people to cherish time with loved ones rather than take it for granted.
Pistorius, meanwhile, lives a life away from the spotlight following his release from prison.
