The Sad Story of Dorcas Didi Lekganyane

July 15, 2024 / Kings

Again, South Africa has lost a rare gem to domestic violence. The story of Dorcas Didi Lekganyane breaks our hearts, and we join others in demanding justice! A botanist and traditional medicine specialist advisor, Didi was a shining light and an inspiration to black women not only in South Africa but all over the world.

Background
Dorcas Didi Lekganyane was born on January 27, 1992 (aged 32). Hailing from Gauteng, Didi always had a passion for education and research. She earned her BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Johannesburg in 2014 and an honors degree in Botany/Plant Biology from the same university in 2016. She acquired her MSc in Botany, Bioinformatics, and Molecular Systematics in 2018.

While still at the University of Johannesburg, she managed many projects assigned to her team by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and private sectors.

Her astonishing work in the field of traditional medicine and her vast insight into climate change and its impact on humans earned her numerous awards, including being named one of Mail & Guardian’s 2024 top 200 Young South African trailblazers in the “Climate Change & Environment” category.

Death
Dorcas Didi Lekganyane was butchered and murdered by her husband (Cecil Kekana) on the night of July 11 at their apartment in Bramley. Upcoming brutally killing Didi, the husband attempted suicide by overdosing on pills. They were both discovered by their helper the following morning July 12, 2024.

Upon seeing the tragic event, the helper immediately called on the police, which they responded immediately. After discovering the husband was still alive, he was rushed to the hospital where he currently receives treatment.

Demand For Justice
Several civil societies and human rights groups are putting pressure on the government to ensure justice is served.