Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ Death Prompts a Powerful Response From Women’s Groups
- Women’s rights organisations have responded strongly to the death of 17-year-old Cameron Waldeck-Cooks
- The St Stithians pupil is being remembered for her character, ambitions and the people she inspired
- Her death has also brought renewed attention to violence against women and girls in South Africa
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The death of 17-year-old St Stithians pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks has prompted a powerful response from women’s groups, with one organisation highlighting the wider crisis of violence against women and girls in South Africa.
Women For Change described Cameron’s death as “another devastating femicide case” and questioned how much more must be endured before meaningful change comes.
IOL reports that the organisation said it was “horrified” by the death and expressed its support for Cameron’s family, friends and classmates.
It also used the case to highlight violence, harmful gender norms and the importance of teaching young people about healthy relationships.
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A wider call for change
Women For Change ended its statement with a pointed question:
“When is enough, enough?”
SA Women Fight Back took a different approach, urging the public to remember Cameron for her life rather than only the circumstances surrounding her death.
The organisation said,
“Today, we pause to remember Cameron and to honour the life she lived.”
It described her life as being filled with “moments, memories, laughter, connections and people who loved her”.
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Cameron’s family remembers her
Cameron’s father, Derrick Cooks, said she had been working towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment and preparing for a multi-day adventurous journey.
He described his daughter as “kind-hearted, warm and determined”, adding that she naturally supported younger girls who looked up to her.
Cameron was found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on 3 August 2026, alongside 19-year-old former St Stithians pupil Ethan Coetzee. Police have confirmed a murder investigation.
Cooks said an independent forensic pathologist’s preliminary findings indicated strangulation and suffocation. The investigation remains ongoing as of 11 August 2026.
Cameron’s death has prompted more than grief from those who knew her. Women’s groups have used the case to highlight concerns about femicide, violence and gender norms, while her family continues to remember a teenager with ambitions and a strong influence on those around her.
President’s Award responds to Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ death
Briefly News previously reported that The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment had broken its silence following Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ death. The organisation said it was “saddened and shocked” by the loss of the 17-year-old, who had been working towards her Gold Award.
In a statement released on Monday, 10 August 2026, the organisation extended its condolences to Cameron’s loved ones and said it would provide appropriate assistance while authorities investigate.
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Source: Briefly News
