They remember him as a creative and fearless designer.
He showcased his designs all over the world and dressed celebrities for red carpets, music videos, and fashion shows.
Friends and family shared how fashion designer Lebogang MacDonald “Quiteria” Kekana (38) encouraged them to never give up on their dreams.
Singer Khokho Madlala and Philadlozi, who created the song Eazweni for the designer's collection in 2020, honoured Quiteria’s life in song. Idols season 12 contestant singer Lucia Jakeni moved the mourners in song. Former business partner George Malelu says they fought but they also created magic together.
"Quiteria will be dearly missed for his stubbornness and courage."
His friends had nothing but good things to say.
“I am a very rural girl. But Quiteria saw a star in me. He believed in me and encouraged me to stop being shy and go for my dreams,” Khokho Madlala says.
Philadlozi says Quiteria wanted him to take his dream to international heights.
“He told me it was time I stopped singing in the streets and dream bigger. He was strict but showed me unconditional brotherly love.”
Amapiano singer Lady Dudu says Quiteria understood her style and enhanced her look.
“I loved Quiteria’s work. He was like a brother to me. When I met him, we immediately clicked. He had dressed me. Sadly, many of the celebrities he has dressed for free were nowhere to be seen or show their support.”
On 19 April, Quiteria's announced his passing at his Melville home.
“It is with profound regret and sadness that the Kekana family confirms the untimely passing of international fashion designer, son, father, and brother Lebogang Quiteria Kekana (38) after a short battle with cancer. Quiteria sadly passed away on Sunday 17 April 2022 at his Melville home. Quiteria leaves behind his son, his beloved parents, siblings, family, and his puppy,” the statement read.
“The family humbly requests privacy, as they process the news. We ask that you please keep us in your prayers. The Kekana family is deeply thankful for all the countless personal messages of love and support received thus far. The details of her memorial and funeral will be confirmed in due course. With much love and thanks, the Kekana family.”
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He was diagnosed with Multiple myeloma, cancer that affects plasma cells, which are part of your immune system in 2021 but fought and believed he would recover.
“I started feeling ill from the stress. I had body aches and inflammation on my legs,” he told Drum in an interview.
“I kept consulting with doctors and after many tests, I learned that I have multiple myeloma. I have always eaten well, but I have been experiencing fatigue, so I’ve had to watch my diet closely. I have also been drinking Kangen water, which is ionized water with vitamins. I have been trying to exercise. But most importantly, I started with my journey with chemotherapy on 2 July,” shared.
“It has not been easy adjusting to it, but if it means going through it to recover, then I am ready. But financially it has not been easy. But we are hopeful,” he adds.
In 2020, Quiteria opened up about attempting suicide six times due to depression.
“I have seen it all and I believe there is more reason to live,” he says.
“I want to live. I am grateful to see another day.”
The same year, he also survived a car accident when he was thrown out of his BMW X5 while driving from the Free State to Johannesburg.
He suddenly lost control of the car while driving and is still unsure how the accident happened.
“I really don’t know how everything happened so fast and how the car managed to stop with two other people in the middle of nowhere. It’s a miracle” he tells Drum.
Fortunately, his two passengers, Leon Payn and Sephiri Rasemene did not sustain any injuries.
“Thank God they are okay. I was never going to be able to live with the guilt if anything had happened to them,” he said.
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In his obituary, the family says they will continue his legacy.
“Lebogang Quiteria Kekana was born in Natalspruit hospital on 1983 October 3 through parents Violet Kekana and Peter Moeti. Quiteria started schooling in Petersburg and after he relocated to Johannesburg and attended Providence High School. During this time, he fell in love with dance and did ballroom dancing. After high school, he attended the National School of the Arts where he studied Dance and had a passion for ballet and contemporary dance. After NSA, he briefly studied Human Resources,” it reads.
