In remembrance: Phumza Gwedla

Dear colleagues and students

It is with deep sadness that I inform members of the campus community that our staff member, Ms Phumza Gwedla (36), has passed away. Ms Gwedla died on Friday, 15 September at Tygerberg Hospital after having sustained injuries from an accident which occurred at her home on the weekend of 2 September 2017.

Ms Gwedla worked as a cleaner in the Department of Student Affairs. She was part of the staff that was insourced on 1 July last year. She started working at Metro Cleaning Services on 1 August 2005, and had been working at Obz Square since 2012.

Her colleagues fondly remember her as a person who enjoyed working in her position. She is described as a quiet and kind person who spent most of her time either with family or at work. She is remembered as a diligent worker who constantly had a smile on her face no matter the circumstances.

Ms Gwedla is survived by her sister, Veliswa.

Arrangements for Ms Gwedla’s memorial and funeral services are yet to be finalised.

UCT has offered support to Ms Gwedla’s family in this difficult period.

The family’s loss is shared by UCT and, on behalf of the university community, I convey our condolences to all those affected by Ms Gwedla’s sudden passing. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends and colleagues in this time of bereavement.

Sincerely

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Acting Vice-Chancellor

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