Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Heemstede women’s residence recently hosted a memorial in remembrance of fellow “heemie”, Siphokazi Ntozini.
This comes after the passing of 20-year-old Ntozini, a second-year BSc chemistry student, on 23 July.
MatieMedia was in attendance at the memorial on 28 July.
‘She left her mark everywhere she went’
Students gathered on 28 July at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Heemstede women’s residence to pay their respects to Siphokazi Ntozini, an SU student who recently passed away. PHOTO: Tamara Wicomb
“Umhle [Beautiful], that’s what I can say about her,” said Thandile Ngxikwe, a friend of Ntozini, at the memorial.
“She was so radiant, and so kind. There are a few people who ooze kindness and life and she was definitely one of them,” stated Ngxikwe. “I am forever grateful to have crossed paths with such an amazing individual.”
“[Ntozini] left her mark everywhere she went […] and she was loved and will be loved by many,” added Silke Hellman, primaria of Heemstede, at the memorial.
At the memorial, Aliziwe Tomose, a friend of Ntozini, reminisced about their friendship, which dated back to their first year at university in 2020. The two had been close ever since they realised that they had to attend the same classes, said Tomose.
Pink ribbons were handed to attendees of the recent memorial held in remembrance of Siphokazi Ntozini, a Stellenbosch University (SU) student who recently passed away. The pink ribbons symbolise Ntozini’s bubbly personality, explained Lisinda de Jager, residence head of SU’s Heemstede women’s residence, where Ntozini was a resident. PHOTO: Tamara Wicomb
“There was a point in our friendship […] where we couldn’t do anything without one another,” stated Tomose.
Lisinda de Jager, residence head of Heemstede, sent her condolences to the family.
“You could not leave her presence without being touched by her brightness,” said De Jager.
‘Ask for help’
In light of Ntozini’s death, Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of the division for student affairs at SU, encouraged students at the memorial to ask for help if they have been struggling with psychological and emotional distress.
Siphokazi Ntozini, a Stellenbosch University (SU) student and a resident of SU’s Heemstede women’s residence, passed away on 23 July. Ntozini was a second-year BSc chemistry student. “Her absence will be felt for a long time,” said Prof Louise Warnich, dean of SU’s faculty of science, at the memorial. PHOTO: Tamara Wicomb
“I want to encourage all students to talk,” said Makhetha at the memorial. “Everyone goes through tough times and the burden gets heavy, but one should not bear it alone. Ask for help.”
SU sends their condolences to the Ntozini family, her friends and fellow students, stated Makhetha.
“Ukuphumla ukupiwe, uzohlala onwabile [She has been granted rest and she is at peace],” said Ngxikwe.