Reeva Steenkamp was scheduled to give a speech about domestic violence on the day she was shot dead by her boyfriend, paralympian Oscar “Blade Runner” Pistorius.
The model/paralegal’s motivational speech at Sandown High School at Johannesburg would have detailed her rough childhood and discussed an abusive former relationship.
Her speech notes included these words:
I lost a lot of self-worth during my last year in Port Elizabeth before I moved to Jozi and it took some serious soul searching to remind myself of my value to the world.
Steenkamp spoke with the website ZAlebs about her abusive relationship with an ex-boyfriend eight years ago, which made her move to Johannesburg. She said after a date gone bad, she filed a restraining order against him.
Reeva’s publicist Sarit Tomlinson told the media about how strong and powerful her spirit was. She said that Steenkamp was “the sweetest, kindest, just angelic soul” and at the same time “a very inspiring individual, very passionate about speaking about women and empowerment.”
Sarit had the notes to Reeva’s speech on-hand, saying the speech “was about empowerment and inspiration and what inspires you and how to follow your dreams.”
Reeva Steenkamp used her Twitter page to push women to fight against rape.
On Steenkamp’s Instagram, she told her followers to stand up against sexual abuse, commenting on a story of a 17-year-old girl who was raped and murdered four days before Reeva’s death.
Before she could make the speech, Steenkamp was gunned down at Pistorius’ home with a pistol, and Oscar is currently facing murder charges.