The family of a 26-year-old University of the Free State student, Mulalo Nndwa, say her sudden death just moments before her graduation has left them shattered.
Nndwa, originally from Masakona village outside Louis Trichardt, was due to receive her master’s degree in urban and regional planning when she collapsed on campus in Bloemfontein on Friday, 17 April.
Speaking on behalf of the family, her brother, Shadrack Nemaembeni, said the tragedy had cut deep.
“We know that one day we will all pass on, but this is just too much for us,” he said. “We said goodbye as a happy family, preparing for a joyful occasion to celebrate our sister's achievements, but everything turned sour,” he said.
Nemaembeni emphasised that Nndwa had not been ill, making her sudden death even harder to process.
“It would have been easier to accept if she had been sick. She was full of life and worked very hard to reach where she was.”
The youngest of eight siblings, Nndwa was described as a determined and inspiring young woman who pushed through challenges to achieve her academic goals. At the time of her death, she was serving as a town planner intern at the Free State Department of Education, contributing to land suitability assessments and spatial planning processes.
“With time, we are slowly gaining strength, but our parents are struggling to cope. The support we are receiving is what is keeping us going,” said Nemaembeni.
Nndwa leaves behind two young children, whom the family say were entirely dependent on her.
“She was their provider. Now we can only pray that God carries them through this difficult time.”
A memorial service was held in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 21 April, while her burial is scheduled for Sunday, 26 April, at the Masakona cemetery.
Meanwhile, the Musanda Musanda Foundation has appealed for financial assistance to help support her children and cover the cost of the funeral.