South Africans gathered in Sasolburg to bury 17-year-old social media star Mohamed Mokoena on Saturday, 7 February.
The 17-year-old social media star was buried on Saturday, 7 February, at Nkgopoleng Secondary School in Sasolburg, Free State.
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Mohamed passed away on Monday, 2 February, after being admitted to hospital. He had complained about heavy chest pains.
His caregiver, Des Ramaru, told the Daily Sun that the funeral was made possible by people who came together to support the family.
“The funeral went well, it was amazing. In fact, it was more than what we expected, considering the resources we had at the time. I didn’t expect something this big.
“I went there from Tuesday because Mohamed was living with his siblings, and the oldest is 22 years old.”
“They couldn’t do anything on their own; I had to be there as early as possible. I had to be there for the arrangements, the mortuary, the documents, death certificate, the burial orders and everything,” said Des.
Des described the emotional toll of the week.
“This was the toughest week of my life. Having to bathe him and seeing his lifeless body was the hardest part. I’m just glad we were able to pull it off,” he said.
Des said they were grateful for everyone who helped.
“So many people came through. We got a company that offered their cars, coffin, storage and all logistics for free.”
“There was also a catering company that offered a tent, 100 chairs, and they cut the grass. I was so happy seeing how people came through, I appreciate that.”
Financial support also poured in.
“With regards to the money, we raised about R18 000, and it helped with the food because everything else was sorted.”
“The catering company cooked for free and everyone was able to eat. I’m glad and relieved that everything went as it was supposed to.”
He added that he had support on the ground. “I wouldn’t have pulled this off alone. Nelisiwe Mkhabela was also by my side throughout the whole process, and she helped a lot. We had to use her car to do a lot of other things,” he said.
Des said the family is now left to mourn.
“The boy is gone, and I think what’s left is the grieving part. We couldn’t grieve because we wanted to make sure things went well.”
“I’m back at my house and now reality is kicking in. When I walk into my bedroom, there’s a big photo of us. When I got back, the first thing I saw was that picture of me and him.”
“We were celebrating the surgery that he went through in November. We were so happy that everything went well.”
Reflecting on their journey, Des expressed his heartbreak.
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“When I look at the picture, I realise that my boy is gone. I did everything in my power to try and make sure that he got to be a normal boy, so that he could walk like a normal kid that he once was, but God had His own plans.”
“But I know everything we did wasn’t for nothing. We were able to put a smile on his face, and that was priceless,” Des said.
