In remembrance: Mongameli Nicholas Zaza

Dear colleagues and students

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of University of Cape Town student Mongameli Nicholas Zaza, who fell from a third-floor balcony at Liesbeeck Gardens, where he was a resident, on the evening of Friday, 5 February 2016. ER paramedics were called to the scene immediately and Mr Zaza was rushed by ambulance to Groote Schuur Hospital, where he was admitted into the critical care ward. He died of his injuries on Sunday, 7 February.

Mr Zaza was from Khayelitsha. He would have entered his third year of study towards a BSocSci degree with a combined major in organisational psychology, economics and public policy and administration. His family was contacted immediately and were met at the hospital by a senior executive of the university. UCT has offered to provide assistance to the Zaza family as regards funeral arrangements.

On behalf of UCT I extend heartfelt condolences to Mr Zaza's family and friends, as well as students and staff in the Humanities Faculty where he studied and students and staff who were his neighbours at Liesbeeck Gardens. The staff at Liesbeeck Gardens have informed students of this tragedy and of free counselling support that is available to them through the university's Student Wellness Service. Staff members can access free counselling through the Human Resources Department.

It is important to be aware that the precise cause of this incident has not been established yet. People who witnessed the incident do not necessarily have all the relevant facts. There does not appear to be any indication of foul play.

A memorial service will be held this Sunday, 14 February 2016, at 14h00 in Khayelitsha. The venue has not yet been confirmed, so attendees are asked to first please go to 27 Nowanga Street, Elitha Park, Khayelitsha for directions on Sunday. Mr Zaza will be laid to rest on 20 February 2016 in Ngqamakhwe Location in Butterworth, Eastern Cape.

Sincerely

Gerda Kruger
Executive Director
Communication & Marketing Department

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