Central SA
NWU mourns death of staff member, student─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:17 Wed, 03 Sep 2025
The North-West University (NWU) community is mourning the death of one of its staff members and a student council member of its Mahikeng campus after a fatal single-vehicle accident.
The accident occurred on Monday (1/9) on the road between Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark. The vehicle, which was carrying two occupants, allegedly left the road on a bend and crashed into a pole.
The university has officially identified the deceased as Frans Madike, a senior administrator in Student Life on the NWU Mafikeng campus, and Ditebogo Nkosi, who served as the 2024/2025 student campus council community and engagement officer.
Madike is described as a person who was widely respected for his dedication to student development and his collegial spirit. He played a vital role in supporting students and fostering a vibrant campus community.
Nkosi was described as a dynamic and passionate student leader known for her strong commitment to community upliftment and for touching the lives of many students and staff. “It is with deep sadness that the NWU has taken note of two of our colleagues, Frans Madike and Ditebogo Nkosi,” said NWU communication spokesperson Louis Jacobs.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, colleagues, and fellow students of these two people who tragically died in a motor vehicle accident on Monday.
“Support services, including counselling, are available for students and staff affected by the tragedy. We encouraged the community to support one another during this difficult time and to seek assistance through the employee wellness programme or campus health services.
“Details of memorial arrangements and opportunities to honour the lives of Madike and Nkosi will be communicated in due course.”
In August, the university denounced gender-based violence and femicide following Onalenna Selebogo’s death. The third-year student was reportedly found murdered in her flat in Phokeng, Rustenburg.
The university expressed its devastation over the loss, remembering Selebogo as a vibrant and promising young woman who had a passion for education and a bright future ahead.
The deceased’s boyfriend appeared in a Rustenburg court after he handed himself over to the police, said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh.
