Heartbreak at Nelson Mandela University as two students die by suicide

Mapaballo Borotho

Nelson Mandela University is grieving the loss of six students, with two of them dying by suicide.
Among them are Thabiso Ntini and 19-year-old Sesethu Mboza, who allegedly took her life after being raped by a fellow student.
The United Democratic Students’ Movement has called for urgent action to protect survivors and address gender-based violence on campuses.

Nelson Mandela University is mourning the death of two of its students who sadly took their own lives over the past few weeks, with the most recent incident occurring just a few days ago.

The University confirmed the death of Thabiso Ntini, who died by suicide on Saturday. Ntini was a third-year Bachelor of Education student.

Another student who tragically passed away due to suicide is 19-year-old Sesethu Enhle Mboza, who reportedly took her own life after allegedly being raped by a fellow student in October 2025.

The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) in the Eastern Cape has called on the tertiary institution, as well as all other institutions of higher learning, to take urgent and decisive action to ensure that no survivor is ever left unprotected.

“This tragedy lays bare the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence on South African campuses and the continuing institutional failures that leave survivors vulnerable, retraumatised, and without justice,” the organisation said.

Sesethu reportedly opened a case with the police, after which the suspect was arrested and later released on bail.

“Despite this, Nelson Mandela University allegedly failed to take decisive action, allowing the accused to return to campus while the investigation was ongoing. No survivor should ever have to endure the agony of repeatedly encountering their alleged perpetrator in a space meant for safety, learning, and healing,” the movement added.

UDESMO has urged universities to put measures in place to protect all those who are vulnerable and at risk.