In remembrance: Sephekana Samuel Mohapi

Dear students and colleagues

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the death of our colleague, Mr Sephekana Samuel Mohapi (28), who passed away in a car accident on 10 March 2022.

Mr Mohapi, who joined the University of Cape Town in February 2018, worked at the National Health Laboratory Service as a scientist focusing on COVID-19. He was due to start his PhD at UCT’s Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.

He devoted most of his undergraduate extracurricular time as a peer educator with UCT's HIV/AIDS Institutional Co-ordination Unit, educating students about issues relating to HIV and AIDS, sexuality and stigma.

Described as a motivated scientist who demonstrated great abilities in research, Mr Mohapi had a big dream to help fight communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. He had excellent skills in communicating science to peers and audiences in scientific meetings.

Colleagues say he possessed good leadership qualities and was a pleasant person to work with. He will be remembered as a gentle soul who was always energetic, full of life, funny and sincere.

Mr Mohapi is survived by his father, two sisters and nieces.

He was laid to rest on Saturday, 26 March 2022 in Maseru, Lesotho.

The university reached out to offer support to the Mohapi family. We extend sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him during this time of bereavement.

Sincerely

The UCT Executive

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