OFM News previously reported that Siyabulela Lufele, who was the convenor of the South African Students Congress’ (Sasco) Free State task team at the time of his death, succumbed to Covid-19 complications last week Wednesday, to the shock and dismay of those who knew him in the Free State. 

Sasco spokesperson, Luvuyo Barnes, confirms Lufele has been buried today as per coronavirus regulations. The student movement will, however, pay homage to Lufele’s contributions via a memorial service on Thursday, that can be accessed via the Sasco and Free State ANC’s Facebook pages. The service will begin at 16:00 pm.

As has already been mentioned, word of Lufele’s death has been met with widespread shock and messages of condolences for his loved ones. Sasco’s national office has expressed their condolences to Lufele’s loved ones and friends, adding “blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted”.

The Progressive Youth Alliance shares that aside from his academic pursuits, the deceased was the 4th Deputy Chaiperson of Sasco, and participated in campaigns against financial exclusions of prospective students at the Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein. “He also was a pivotal part of the 4th Regional Executive Community campaign against inadequate and highly unaffordable private student housing and accommodation in the Free State, which contributed highly to the drop out rate and poor academic performance of students in general. He was part of progressive forces which resolved to form the Free State Student Housing and Accommodation Association,” reveals the alliance. 

In addition to said roles, Lufele formed part of the Fees Must Fall movement which brought tertiary institutions countrywide to a standstill and prompted government to look into funding more South African students.

It is understood that Lufele and his partner had recently welcomed a child together.

OFM News