A PRIVATE MEMORIAL for South African model Reeva Steenkamp was held in Port Elizabeth this morning, attended by her family and close friends.

The ceremony and cremation took place as the man accused of her murder appeared at a Pretoria court for a bail hearing.

Magistrate Desmond Nair ruled that Oscar Pistorius will face charges of premeditated murder but it is still unclear if the 26-year-old will be granted bail today.

After today’s funeral, the 29-year-old model’s family spoke to reporters.

Her uncle, Michael Steenkamp, broke down in tears as he remembered his niece’s wish to be an advocate for women affected by violence and abuse.

Speaking outside Victoria Park Chapel, he spoke about how theirs was a family who liked to “get together”. “We are all here today as a family. There is only one thing missing today, Reeva.”

He said the issue of abuse against women echoed so much in recent months because of her mentions of it. “She wanted to be an activist for that,” he continued. “That has now swung right around. Her statement is more powerful now.”

Her brother, Adam, said the memorial was “sad” but that “at certain points, we were smiling” because of the happy times they had.

“We only have good memories of her and that is what we were all thinking…There’s a space missing inside all of the people she knew that can’t be filled.”

The family confirmed that another memorial, during which her ashes will be spread, will be held at some stage in the future.

Reeva died from gunshot wounds in the early hours of 14 February at the home of Oscar Pistorius.