The memorial services of two Maties who passed away in separate incidents in the last week will be held on Thursday, 24 October 2024, and on Sunday, 27 October.
Jesse Alan Mitchell, who was enrolled for a BSc Computer Science degree at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, passed away on 16 October. He was a member of the Oude Molen Commuter Student Community (CSC), which forms part of the Victoria Cluster.
His memorial service will be held at the Victoria Hub, on the second floor, from 17:30 tonight (Thursday, 24 October).
According to Oude Molen's Prim 2024/2025, Wian van Loggerenberg, the reality that they will never see Jesse again has not yet hit home for the community.
“Although it is difficult today to see beyond the sorrow of losing Jesse, we can look back at the memories we have of him to comfort us in the days to come. Jesse was a proud Mol, who left us way too soon, but he will never be forgotten," added Wian.
On Sunday, 20 October, Nkosana Dhlamini, a first-year student enrolled for a BSc (Geoinformatics) degree, passed away. Nkosana lived in Dagbreek Residence. The Resident Head, Grant Leukes, and Dagbreek's Prim, Tom Des Heath, said that their “hearts were heavy" following the news of the passing of Nkosana, who Tom referred to as a brother.
“Nkosana played soccer almost every evening with his friends in the quad, who described him as energetic, and open-hearted, and a joy to be around," said Tom.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family and all those close to him and encourage those struggling to please reach out for help.
“It is also important to stand together and be there for one another."
Nkosana's memorial service will be held on Sunday, 27 October, at 13:00 at Dagbreek Residence.
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, personally extended his heartfelt condolences to Jesse and Nkosana's parents following the students' passing.
“The loss of such precious young lives, and in such a short space of time, always comes as a great shock to the 中国体育彩票 community," said Prof Ramjugernath.
He also called on the community to provide the students' families and friends with the space and time to deal with these painful and tragic losses.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Any students who have been affected by these tragic incidents are encouraged to reach out for help by contacting the university's 24-hour ER24 Emergency Service on 010 205 3032 after hours, or the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) at 021 808 4994 during office hours, or via e-mail at supportus@sun.ac.za.?
