UCTABA Pays Tribute to Student Activist Mlingani Matiwane
UCTABA joins the broader university community in mourning the passing of former student leader and activist Mlingani Matiwane, whose contribution to student activism and social justice helped shape a generation.
Mlingani Mveli Matiwane (1996–2026), former UCT student leader, activist, and advocate for social justice whose contribution to transformation and student activism continues to inspire.
Published: 14 June 2026
UCTABA joins countless South Africans in mourning the passing of Mlingani Mveli Matiwane, a former student leader, activist, and advocate for social justice, who passed away on 7 June 2026 at the age of 29.
Mlingani was part of a generation of young leaders whose voices and actions helped shape one of the most significant student movements in democratic South Africa. As an active participant and leader within the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall movements at the University of Cape Town, he stood among those who challenged institutions to confront questions of access, transformation, decolonisation, and justice.
His activism emerged from a deep commitment to creating a South Africa in which education would not be determined by circumstance, privilege, or exclusion. Alongside many of his peers, Mlingani helped elevate conversations that extended far beyond university campuses and into the national consciousness. The movements he helped build fundamentally altered how universities, policymakers, and society engage with issues of inequality, representation, and belonging.
While history may remember the slogans, marches, and moments that captured national attention, those who knew Mlingani will remember a young man who believed in the power of collective action and the possibility of a more just society. His contribution formed part of a broader struggle led by students who demanded that higher education become more accessible, representative, and responsive to the realities of South Africa.
His passing serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of honouring those who dedicate themselves to causes greater than themselves. It also invites reflection on the enduring impact of student activism and the role young people continue to play in shaping the future of our country.
UCTABA extends its deepest condolences to the Matiwane family, friends, comrades, former classmates, and all who walked alongside Mlingani throughout his journey. We recognise the profound loss they carry and hold them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
As alumni, we are reminded that the story of our university is not only written in lecture halls, graduation ceremonies, and academic achievements. It is also written by those who challenge institutions to be better, who imagine new possibilities, and who courageously stand for change. Mlingani was one of those individuals.
In remembering Mlingani, we honour not only his contribution to student activism, but also his commitment to justice, transformation, and the belief that a better future was possible. His legacy lives on in the conversations he helped shape, the barriers he helped challenge, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
Funeral Arrangements
Date: 15 June 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Jesus The Answer Ministries, 94 Cambridge Road, Qonce
The Matiwane family will lay Mlingani to rest at 7:30 AM in Lenye, Keiskammahoek.
Supporting the Matiwane Family
Members of the UCTABA community who wish to offer practical support to the Matiwane family during this difficult time are encouraged to contact UCTABA or refer to our official social media platforms and community communication channels for contribution details.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love, solidarity, and support already shown to the family and trust that our community will continue to uphold them in both word and deed.
May Mlingani Mveli Matiwane rest in peace. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations to pursue justice, courage, and transformation.