Fashion designer Quiteria Lebogang Kekana has died, at the age of 38.
The star, who has dressed for Global Citizen in 2018, died at his home in Johannesburg on Sunday.Â
His family confirmed the news in a statement, explaining that he died after a ‘short battle with ’.
‘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,’ it read.
‘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.
‘We ask that you please keep us in your prayers.’
‘The family has requested privacy during this time. The Kekana family is deeply thankful for all the countless personal messages of love and support received thus far,’ they added.
‘The details of her memorial and funeral will be confirmed in due course. With much love and thanks, the Kekana family.’
Fans shared tributes to the icon in the comments under his most recent Instagram post, with a follower penning: ‘Rest in peace.Thank you for your beautiful work.’
‘Amazing designer and a huge loss,’ another agreed.
A follower shared: ‘Rest well King. May the Lord accept you in his kingdom.’
‘Rest in fashionable power,’ an Instagram user added.
Kekana made a name in the fashion world thanks to his partnership with George Malelu – before they went their separate ways in 2019, and parted ‘on good terms’.
As well as Beyonce, he has dressed a string of stars throughout his career, including actress Terri J Vaughn, Dineo Moeketsi and Thando Thabethe.
Kekana was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021.
The cancer affects a sufferer’s plasma cells, and accumulates in the bone marrow. It often impacts several areas of the body, including the spine, skull and ribs.
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known – there are treatments to help control the condition but in many cases, it cannot be cured.
Speaking about his illness in an interview last April, Kekana opened up about how costly his health care had become.
‘It is one of the toughest decisions I have had to make, but for me to recover I needed to be where I feel loved and there is no judgment,’ he said, explaining he had returned to South Africa for treatment.
‘The costs for good health care brought a lot of financial strain on my business. I was not willing to lose staff again, after the effects of Covid-19. So, I have kept the studio open and allowed the staff to continue to service our clients while I try and get my health together.
‘It has been tough, but I believe I will recover and continue to make beautiful garments.
‘I will beat this. I have beat almost every obstacle in the past.’
Kekana is survived by his parents and his son.
