Tragedy strikes again: DUT mourns second student death in a week

 The Durban University of Technology (DUT) community is in shock. Tragedy struck for the second time in a single week.

The institution has confirmed the passing of Mr. Mpanqoba Myandwa, a third-year Nursing student based in the Midlands. His death comes just days after the university reported the loss of another student. Mr Sphiwokuhle Madela’s passing has left the DUT family devastated.

Mpanqoba Myandwa’s photograph has been circulating on social media for days. There are claims he had disappeared without informing his roommate of his whereabouts. It is also alleged that he had left his cell phone behind, prompting confusion.

In an official statement issued on 21 August 2025, DUT expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends. They also extended their sympathies to the classmates and all who knew the two students.

“We recognise that this has been a very difficult and tragic week for our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone mourning the loss of Mr Myandwa and Mr Madela,”

“As a university community, let us hold the families and friends of Mr Myandwa and Mr Madela in our hearts and prayers and please, let us be mindful of supporting each other through this very sad time.” the university said.

During the week Mr Madela jumped to death on the Steve Biko Campus building. The initial claim was that Mr Madela was defunded by student financial scheme, NSFAS, a claim DUT denied.

DUT stated that Mr Madela was fully funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The funding covered both tuition and residence in 2025.

“We wish to emphasise that this tragedy was not related to funding academic matters but rather to personal matters.” said university earlier in the week.

NSFAS also send the grief message over the death of Mr Madela in statement.

“It is with profound sadness that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) learnt of passing of Mr Sphiwokuhle Madela, a third-year student enrolled in the BHSc Diagnostic Radiography programme at Durban University of Technology who tragically lost his life.” NSFAS said.

NSFAS further attested to the claim that Mr. Madela was fully funded for the 2025 academic year. This shutting down the speculation that Madela killed himself over the defunding.

This student was fully funded by NSFAS for his studies. We acknowledge his inclusion in the last payment file dated 4^th August 2025. He was recorded as an NSFAS returning student on the 22^nd January 2025.”