By Staff Reporter
SASOLBURG – South Africans are mourning the passing of Mohammed Mokoena, the young boy from Zamdela, Sasolburg, whose brave battle against a rare medical condition captured the hearts of the nation.
Mohammed’s passing was confirmed by his mentor and community activist Des Ramaru, who shared the heartbreaking news on social media. Mohammed passed away while receiving medical treatment.
In an emotional message, Ramaru expressed his deep pain and disbelief at the loss.
“You broke my heart, boy. I didn’t have the courage to do this. Yesterday I received a call that felt like a joke, but it was true. All I ever wanted was for you to live like other kids, not to leave us in the middle of the process,” he wrote.
According to Ramaru, Mohammed had been unwell for a long time, but his passing came as a shock to everyone close to him. He was admitted to hospital after complaining of severe chest pains and sadly passed away on Monday, 2 February 2026, while under medical care.
Affectionately known on social media as “Mosotho,” Mohammed lived with a rare condition that caused severe enlargement of his kidneys and affected the structure and function of his legs and feet. He required urgent and complex surgical intervention to address the illness impacting both his kidneys and lower limbs.
In 2025, Ramaru, together with social media personalities and community members, rallied nationwide support through a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign titled “Help young Mokoena get surgery.” The campaign gained widespread support, with reports indicating that Mohammed had undergone a successful procedure in November 2025.
Despite the progress and hope surrounding his recovery, Mohammed later succumbed to complications related to his condition.
South Africans who followed his journey remember him for his infectious energy, humour, and resilience, even as he faced immense challenges, including the earlier loss of his mother. Tributes have poured in across social media, honouring a young life that touched many hearts.
A BackaBuddy funeral fundraising campaign has since been launched by Desmond Ramaru, with a target of R30,000, to assist the family during this difficult time.
