SADAG warns against circulating tragic DUT student video

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has urged the public to respect the dignity of the late third-year student Sphiwokuhle Madela and his family by refraining from sharing distressing videos linked to his death.

Footage showing of a man, believed to be a Durban University of Technology (DUT) student, seen lunging before falling to his death, has been widely circulated on social media.

SADAG’s Operations Director, Cassie Chambers, says such disturbing content is not only triggering and re-traumatising for those directly affected, but it may unintentionally encourage copycat behaviour.

It is reported that the health science student took his own life at the Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

While the exact circumstances are still under investigation, some students suggest that academic pressure and financial stress may have played a role.

Chambers has emphasised the urgent need for better access to mental health support, safe spaces, and open conversations, especially for students navigating high-pressure environments.

“Suicide is never the solution, and help is always available,” she stressed.

The South African Students Federation (SASF) has called for the institution to suspend all academic activities for the rest of the week.

The Federation’s Keamogetswe Masike says the institution’s administrators must take accountability and offer support to affected students and the deceased’s family.

Masike stressed the need for institutions of higher learning to prioritise the mental health of students.

The Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, has requested a detailed report from the university on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Minister has also directed Higher Health, the agency responsible for health and wellness across the post-school education and training sector, to provide urgent psychosocial support to witnesses, fellow students, staff, and all those affected by this incident.

The Durban University of Technology has denied reports that Madela had been defunded by the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“He was a dedicated and hardworking student, performing well in his studies. Mr Madela was fully funded by NSFAS, which was reflected in the last payment file dated August 4 and was coded as a returning student for both tuition and residence in 2025. Importantly, he was not part of the NSFAS exceptions file, commonly referred to as `defunded students’. We wish to emphasise that this tragedy was not related to funding or academic matters but rather to personal distress,” the university said.

Dear DUT Community

DUT is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, classmates and the Faculty of Health Sciences during this difficult time.

Please read the official statement below. pic.twitter.com/YjUQfmU7yJ

— DUT (@DUT_Tweets) August 20, 2025

 

I came across a facebook video of a 3rd year male student who just committed suicide at DUT in Durban, Steve Biko Campus. It’s so heartbreaking, Students go through a lot every day 💔

— Ayarh 🍒 (@AyandaYandiey) August 19, 2025

A student at DUT existed themselves from earth’s live chat by jumping off a building 💔😥. Can’t imagine the parents that sent their kid to further their education only to go collect them in a body bag.

— MrsM.💚🍃 (@thestonedmakoti) August 19, 2025

My heart is shattered 💔💔💔💔💔

Apparently a 3rd year male student just committed suicide at DUT in Durban, ohh yhini boyza 💔😢💔😢💔

— yknipg (@Yknip1) August 19, 2025