Tucked away in one of South Africa’s most affluent suburbs, the Goddess Cafe in Waterkloof is a shrine of femininity. Described by its owners as a ‘pink paradise’, the cafe serves burger buns and lattes in shades of pink, with dishes sprinkled with rose petals. Cerise-colored parasols and blossoms adorn the ceilings and walls. In this somewhat incongruous setting, convicted killer Oscar Pistorius has been seen lunching with his girlfriend, Rita Greyling.
The former Paralympic athlete’s appearance in an establishment frequented by wealthy young women and social media influencers is seen by some as a sure sign of how serious he is about their romance. According to a source, “You can’t imagine a less likely place to see Oscar Pistorius, but he and Rita hold hands and look lovingly across the table at each other. He is besotted with her. You can see they are deeply in love.”
This development follows Pistorius’s release on parole in January 2024. While the 38-year-old is moving on with his life, the British mother of Reeva Steenkamp, the woman he murdered, is in hospital, critically ill after suffering a stroke nearly three weeks ago. Friends of June Steenkamp, 78, fear she may not even remember her beloved daughter.
Oscar Pistorius’s New Chapter
Pistorius, who was freed from jail on parole, is not only exploring a new relationship but also relaunching his sporting career. Having participated in an Ironman triathlon in June, he appears to be focused on regaining his fitness. The double amputee athlete, once known as the Blade Runner, competed in a triathlon in Durban three months ago, finishing 555th overall and third in the ‘physically challenged’ category.
His relationship with Rita Greyling, the daughter of one of South Africa’s wealthiest farmers, could further cement his rehabilitation. Rita, like Reeva, has worked as a model and is a devout Christian. According to a source, “He has said he wants to settle down and have kids. He sees it as the next step for them.”
June Steenkamp’s Struggles
Meanwhile, June Steenkamp’s situation stands in stark contrast. The mother of the woman Pistorius killed is critically ill and unable to remember significant parts of her life, including the tragedy of her daughter’s death. According to family lawyer Tania Coen, June’s stroke has left her barely able to speak, and she does not recognize people or remember her own name.
“It’s heart-breaking to think that she might not be able to remember what happened to Reeva,” a family friend told the Daily Mail. June’s inability to speak more than a few words is particularly poignant given her vow to become her daughter’s voice by raising awareness of violence and abuse against women and children through a foundation set up in Reeva’s name.
“It’s a cruel twist of fate that while Pistorius has been able to turn over a new leaf and embark on a new life, his crime has had a lifelong impact on June,” says the family friend.
A Tale of Two Fates
June’s stroke comes two years after her husband Barry’s death and Pistorius’s release. Barry, who met Pistorius in prison, had asked him to swear on a Bible that he did not mean to kill Reeva, a request Pistorius refused. This refusal was seen by Barry as proof of Pistorius’s guilt.
June had hoped to move back to the UK, where she was born, and had even organized a pet passport for her dog. However, her current health crisis has put those plans on hold. Tania Coen is now trying to raise money for June’s care, as her future remains uncertain.
While Pistorius resides in a luxury cottage on his uncle’s property in Pretoria, June has been living in poverty. Her property, surrounded by overgrown grass and weeds, was put up for sale before her stroke because she could not afford repairs. The family friend mentioned that June had been living quietly with her animals on a small-holding near Port Elizabeth, attempting to find peace.
The Road Ahead
As Pistorius embraces his second chance at life, June Steenkamp’s health remains precarious. Her story is a reminder of the enduring impact of violence and tragedy, even as those involved attempt to move forward. Pistorius’s parole conditions include participation in anger management and gender-based violence programs, and he remains under strict supervision until his sentence expires in 2029.
For June Steenkamp, the agony of her daughter’s death is unending. Pistorius, meanwhile, appears to be seizing his second chance, with his relationship with Rita Greyling marking a new chapter in his life.
