Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has confirmed that the student fatally shot during a violent protest at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) earlier this week was indeed a registered learner funded by NSFAS.
The deceased, 24-year-old Sisonke Mbolekwa, was identified through NSFAS records as an active student at WSU, directly contradicting the institution’s earlier statement which claimed he was neither a registered student nor a staff member.
The university’s statement sparked outrage among students, with many accusing the institution of attempting to distance itself from the tragedy by allegedly deregistering Mbolekwa posthumously. In response, students took to social media to demand accountability, sharing images of Mbolekwa’s student card and calling for justice under the hashtag #JusticeForSisonke.
“The University needs to take accountability. It is failing the students and shows a lack of empathy and concern for our safety,” one student wrote online.
In the wake of the tragedy, Minister Nkabane visited the WSU Mthatha Campus on Wednesday to meet with student leadership and receive a detailed briefing. She also extended her condolences to the Mbolekwa family, promising that “no stone will be left unturned” in the investigation.
Earlier, the Minister paid a compassionate visit to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, where several injured students are being treated following the protest.
Dr Nkabane condemned the violence and expressed concern over what she described as the “militarization of institutions of higher learning.” She assured students and families that the department is actively working with universities, student organisations, and law enforcement agencies to implement long-term solutions to campus unrest.
“We are deeply disturbed by the continued endangerment of students on our campuses. The safety, dignity, and well-being of every learner must be a priority, and we will act accordingly,” she said.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safe learning environment and announced plans to intensify stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing the root causes of student protests.
