Sizwe Sibiya
On 19 April, South Africa woke up to the sad news of the passing of 38-year-old fashion designer Lebohang Quiteria Kekana, the founder of the Quiteria Atelier high-end fashion brand.
Lebohang, who dressed many A-list celebrities including Terry Pheto and Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and, recently Makhadzi, passed away on Sunday, 17 April after a battle with cancer.
Dance music artist Makhadzi shared a touching letter on Instagram to the late designer, who featured her on his 2021 collection and also dressed her for her live performances.
Shared on Thursday, the letter read:
I am heartbroken about your passing @quiteria kekana. You were the only person I trusted when it came to sharing my personal issues.
I remember in 2019 I was broken. A lot was happening in my life. I lost a lot of things including my relationship.
You sent me a DM to come to your workshop so we can start working together. When I arrived at your workshop there were lot of celebrity people, and I remained in my car waiting for people to go, just because I thought people will judge me and maybe can see in my face that I am going through a lot.
You then came to my car and ask why. Then I cried and explained. The only thing that I still remember on that day is you said:
I CALLED YOU BECAUSE I WORK WITH QUEENS AND I WANT YOU TO OWN YOUR THRONE. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO OWN YOUR THRONE CRYING FOR THINGS THAT YOU CAN NOT CHANGE.
I WANT EVERYONE WHO TOOK YOU FOR GRANTED TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE A QUEEN, BUT YOU LACK A DESIGNER. ALLOW ME TO BE YOUR STYLIST…
During lockdown everyone was talking about me, saying good things just because of you. I was slaying because of you. In my lockdown performance I was slaying with beautiful costumes because of you. Thank you God for bringing Quie in my life. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
Lebohang, who died in his home in Pimville, Soweto, will be laid to rest on Friday, after a service which will be held in the Parkhurst Recreational Centre in Johannesburg.
Image source: Instagram
