BLOEMFONTEIN – A student who collapsed and died shortly before her graduation at the University of the Free State (UFS) on Friday 17 April has been identified as Cuzi Mulalo Mukwevho, according to various media reports and social media posts.
The tragedy occurred before her scheduled graduation ceremony at the Callie Human Centre on the university’s main campus in Bloemfontein. Emergency medical teams on-site could not save her life.
The student was set to graduate from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and was among 8 350 graduates across the university’s various faculties. The university confirmed the passing of a postgraduate student during the ceremony on Friday afternoon, adding that the cause of death remains unknown.
However, as of recent reports, the university had not officially released her name through formal channels, pending full family notification and out of respect for privacy. The university’s management has extended heartfelt condolences to the student’s family, friends, and fellow students.
“Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we wish them strength as they come to terms with this loss,” the university said in a statement.
The incident has cast a shadow over the UFS’s April graduation ceremonies, which began at the Qwaqwa campus from 10 to 11 April, and continued at the Bloemfontein campus from 14 to 18 April. The news has prompted an outpouring of shock and condolences on social media platforms.
