The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is enveloped in grief this week following the shocking deaths of two of its students, each occurring in separate incidents across different campuses in KwaZulu-Natal.

On Thursday, the body of third-year Nursing student, Manqoba Mnyandu, who was based in the Midlands, was discovered after he went missing more than a week ago.

Aloes Residence, where Mnyandu resided, as well as his family, launched a search for the student on August 13 after he could not be reached and his cellphone and other belongings were found in his room.

He was last seen on residence footage wearing a black cap, a light grey jacket, and light brown trousers, according to a missing person’s poster shared on social media platforms.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated.

“Alexandra police are investigating an inquest docket following an incident in which a man believed to be in his twenties was found hanging in the bush near his place of residence on Thursday, 21 August 2025, in Pietermaritzburg,” he said.

DUT spokesperson Alan Khan confirmed Mnyandu’s death on August 21, marking the second tragedy for the university community within a week.

Khan said the incident is currently under police investigation and the university is unable to provide any further details at this time.

“On behalf of the university, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Just three days before this incident, on Tuesday, August 19, DUT confirmed the death of Siphiwokuhle Madela, also a third-year student enrolled in the BHSc Diagnostic Radiography programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Steve Biko campus in Durban.

An investigation has been launched by local authorities into the death of Madela, who fell from the S-Block building.

The precise circumstances surrounding the fall are yet to be released.

The institution described Madela as a dedicated, hardworking student who performed well in his studies.

“DUT conveys its most sincere condolences to Mr Madela’s family, friends, classmates, and the Faculty of Health Sciences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him.”

On Wednesday, the university issued a statement confirming that Madela had been fully funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), countering misinformation circulating on social media.

Khan confirmed that Madela was fully funded. “This was confirmed in the last payment file dated 04 August 2025, where he was coded as a returning student for both tuition and residence in 2025,” he said, emphasising that this tragedy was not linked to funding or academic matters.

In a statement on Wednesday, NSFAS said it was “honoured” to fully fund Madela and offered condolences.

“This student was fully funded by NSFAS for his studies, and we acknowledge his inclusion in the last payment file dated 4 August 2025. He was recorded as an NSFAS returning student on 22 January 2025.

“We recognise that this is a difficult time for everyone involved, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the university community. We hope they find comfort and strength in these moments of grief.”

A memorial service was scheduled to take place at the Ritson Campus for Madela on Friday, August 22, to celebrate the life of Madela.

Khan said DUT recognises that this has been a very painful and tragic week for the university community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone mourning the loss of both Mr Mnyandu and Mr Madela… May the souls of our dearly departed rest in heavenly peace,” he said.

Khan added that Student Services at DUT continues to provide counselling support to affected students, and the university encourages all students and staff in need of assistance to reach out for help.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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