“May Her Beautiful Soul Rest”: SA Mourns the Loss of a Student and Mother After Liver Cancer Battle

• Karabo Makatela, a young mother of two, passed away on 30 July 2026 after an 18-month fight with stage-four liver cancer
• Her family had appealed to the public for financial help after state hospitals said they could no longer treat her
• Karabo was weeks away from graduating when she died, leaving behind two young sons

Karabo Makatela was 26 years old, a mother of two, and on the verge of completing her studies. She died on 30 July 2026 after an 18-month battle with stage-four liver cancer.

Karabo was diagnosed roughly 18 months before her passing, already at the most advanced stage of the disease. Her family turned to the public for help after state medical facilities informed them that nothing more could be done for her. They launched a plea for financial assistance to access private treatment, hoping it would buy her more time.

Despite the community's support and fundraising efforts, her health continued to decline.

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A life cut tragically short

What made Karabo's story particularly heartbreaking was how close she was to two of life's most significant milestones. She was preparing to graduate in 2026 and was raising two young sons at the time of her death.

Her family later confirmed that any remaining funds raised during the campaign would go towards covering her funeral costs, and that unused medical supplies would be donated to others in need. A funeral service was held on 8 August 2026 at Tlokwe Hall in Kanana.

Mzansi mourns Karabo

People across South Africa and beyond were moved by the news of her passing. Comments poured in on the Facebook page from those who felt her loss deeply:

@Atieno Nyar Nyarkobura said:

"Sorry for the loss, may God give you grace to overcome."

@Ni Mimi wrote:

"May her beautiful soul rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️"

@Clara Prosper shared:

"My condolences to the family."

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@Luleka Jayiya added:

"May her soul continue to rest in peace, and condolences to her family."

@Kenanao Kenny wrote:

"Deepest condolences to the family and also prayers 🙏🇧🇼"

@Lisbeth Makhafola said:

"Such a beautiful soul, sad my dear, you're so very young."

Karabo leaves behind two sons, a grieving family, and a community that rallied around her in her final months.

See the tribute below:

More on loss in SA

• Briefly News recently reported on Aqueelah Adendorf, girlfriend of Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams, sharing her grief online in the days following his death.
• A Johannesburg attorney received a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, whose remains were found in Midrand in 2023.
• Primêre Skool Jim Fouché in Bloemfontein announced the passing of a beloved staff member, with the community responding with an outpouring of grief.

Source: Briefly News