DUT refutes defunding claims following tragic student death
DUT dismisses media claims linking a student's tragic death to funding issues, stating that he was fully supported by NSFAS.
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has dismissed media reports suggesting that a third-year student took his own life due to losing funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
The university said in a statement, shared on their Facebook page and with students and staff, that Sphiwokuhle Madela, a BHSc Diagnostic Radiography student in the Faculty of Health Sciences, was fully funded by NSFAS and was not part of the NSFAS exceptions file, commonly referred to as “defunded students”.
The latest payment to him was recorded on August 4. “This tragedy was not related to funding or academic matters,” DUT said in the statement.
Madela died on Tuesday morning after falling from the fifth floor of the S-Block building on the Steve Biko campus.
The university also urged the public and students to refrain from sharing a video showing Madela shortly before his death, out of respect for the family and his friends.
DUT extended condolences to Madela’s family, friends, classmates, and the Faculty of Health Sciences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him. May Mr Sphiwokuhle Madela’s soul rest in peace,” the statement said.
The university also highlighted counselling support available to students and staff, including Student Services and Employee Wellness.
While the incident was not related to NSFAS challenges, members of the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) raised broader funding concerns.
“There are students who did not get their August allowance, and in September others are going to get defunded. NSFAS and DUT must do a proper follow-up,” one member said.
The group called on the university to fundraise through departments and faculties to support students who did not receive allowances, ensuring they can access meals.