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The Nelson Mandela University (NMU) community is mourning the tragic loss of five students who died in separate incidents over the past three weeks. The university confirmed the deaths on 3 November 2025, describing the losses as heartbreaking and deeply felt across all campuses.
What Happened
The students who passed away were:
Enhle Mboza, a second-year Bachelor of Arts student. Lihle Shenxane, a Higher Certificate in Information Technology student. Aphile Jozana, a Higher Certificate in Business Studies student. Minenhle Hlongwane, a second-year BA Law student. Sikhunjulwe Nkewana, a third-year Diploma in Logistics student.
Ms Mboza died by suicide at an off-campus residence on 31 October. On the same day, Ms Shenxane drowned while swimming at Victoria Bay. Ms Jozana, rescued in critical condition, later died in hospital. Two weeks earlier, a robber stabbed Ms Hlongwane in Summerstrand. Police later found Mr Nkewana unresponsive in his off-campus room in Central, Gqeberha.
Official Response
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa expressed the university’s condolences to the families, friends, and fellow students. “We grieve alongside them and hold them close in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound sorrow,” she said.
Professor Muthwa also acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedies and said the university’s Emthonjeni Student Counselling Services continues to offer psychosocial support to affected students and staff.
Public Reaction
The string of deaths has drawn strong reactions from students and the public. Many expressed frustration on social media, calling for accountability and improved student safety. Some criticised the university’s leadership, saying condolences are not enough without concrete action.
“Take responsibility for failing students and stop repeating the same statements,” one user wrote.
Others demanded justice for victims of gender-based violence and safer accommodation for off-campus students. Several commenters also called for policy reform, suggesting universities should consider partial tuition refunds when a student dies, to ease the financial burden on families.
“Education is an investment, and when a family loses a student, there should be some recognition of that loss,” another post read.
Community Message
The university urged the community to stand together in compassion during this difficult time.
“We are reminded of the fragility of life and the strength found in unity,” said Professor Muthwa.
