Staff, students, friends and family of the late Durban University of Technology student, Mr Sphiwokuhle Madela gathered at the Ritson campus hall in Durban to celebrate his life on Friday, 22 August 2025. DUT hosted a Memorial Service in honour of Madela who recently passed away in a tragic incident at Steve Biko campus.
The Madela family during the memorial service.
The hall was packed as all attendees gathered to pay their last respects to Madela. Amongst the large group of mourners was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Gugu Mchunu who was accompanied by her Deputy Dean, Dr Pravita Pillay. Students from the Faculty of Health Sciences also came in numbers including Madela’s former classmates, the third-year Diagnostic Radiography students, wishing him eternal peace. His parents, siblings and relatives also came to witness the life he had lived at DUT.
Delivering the message of support from the Department of Radiography at DUT, Dr Thandokuhle Khoza said it was saddening to lose a young life at such an early stage. He described Madela as a young man who was full of life, kind and gentle to his patients. Dr Khoza indicated that despite the challenges he had faced, Madela was determined to succeed and get his qualification. He expressed his sincere condolences to the Madela family and pleaded with the fellow students especially those who were close to him and had witnessed his tragic death to seek professional help to deal with the loss.
He condemned the people who had circulated videos on social media of Madela’s tragic death. He pointed out that this act was against DUT’s values and principles especially that of compassion. He assured Madela’s family that he will forever be remembered at DUT.
Sharing the same sentiments was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT, Professor Gugu Mchunu. She said the service was held to create beautiful memories for Madela’s remembrance. Prof Mchunu cautioned the students to always think of their actions and the choices that they make. Before they make any drastic decisions, Prof Mchunu urged them to think about those people who love them and how they will be affected by their decision.
The Dean of Students at DUT, Dr Clement Moreku said they had hoped that one day the DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane would be hooding Madela at graduation. He encouraged the DUT community to be compassionate and support one another during this difficult time.
The outgoing Student Representative Council (SRC) Social and Welfare Officer: Durban, Ms Slindile Mabonga said Madela’s passing reminded them of the silent battles that students face. She reminded the students to reach out and support one another as no one has to face their struggles alone. At DUT, she said they will hold on to the joy that Madela brought to those close to him.
Madela’s mentor, Mr Ayanda Mkhontwana, Assistant Director in Radiography at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital shared pleasant memories of him. He described him as a happy soul, full of respect and acknowledgement for his superiors as well as excellent in executing his work. He urged the family and friends to not be discouraged and to know that in this time of brokenness God is there for them.
His close friends, Mr Kwethemba Nene and Mr Sthabiso Thabethe shared their happy moments at the residence where they had lived together and relied on each other in times of need. Both revealed how Madela loved his family especially his mother. They thanked God for affording them the time to be friends with Madela, thanking his family for raising such a remarkable young man full of life.
Madela’s grandfather, Mr Mbongiseni Madela described him as a wise man who was always smiling. He cautioned the DUT students to use the knowledge they gain at the university to help them differentiate between what is right and wrong, referring to the social media videos. He said as the family they forgive those who circulated the videos, however, they wish this incident to serve as a lesson that it should not happen again.
His mother, Mrs Khabo Madela-Sangweni said he was her firstborn, they were very close as he used to call her ‘KB’ instead of mum/mother. She urged the students to show compassion towards one another. She expressed her disappointment on all the allegations that were circulating on social media speculating the cause of the tragic incident. She described him as cool guy with a beautiful smile and who was private, yet his death became public drawing him and the family all the attention. She also said she forgives all those who posted on social media and urged that such an incident to never happen again as she did not wish for any family to witness their pain.
Senior Psychologist under the Student Counselling and Health unit at DUT, Mr Sihle Mbanjwa appealed to students to speak out, saying no one is tough enough to deal with all the challenges they face. He encouraged the students to use the support services offered to them. A 24 hour Higher Health number is available to offer support to students even after hours. The number is 0800 36 36 36.
Madela was laid to rest at his home in Ladysmith on Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Pictured: DUT held a memorial service to honour the life of the late Mr Sphiwokuhle Madela.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Simangele Zuma
