YOLANDA SITHOLE

The faculty of education held a memorial on 18 September in remembrance of Dineo ‘Neo’ Morula, the memorial service was held at the Groenkloof campus auditorium. Dineo allegedly committed suicide. Her passing shocked everyone, especially her friends who spent the last days of her life with her. Dineo was an 18 year old first year student who was doing her bachelor’s degree in education.

The auditorium was filled with emotions as those who were close to Dineo shared the memories of the time they had with her. Neo’s Friends described her as a bubbly, loving person and a fashionista who loved makeup and knew everything about it.

In the words of one of her friends, “Neo was an inspiration and she believed in me more than I believe in myself.” The dean of the faculty of Education, Professor Chika Sehoole, passed his heartfelt condolences to the Morula Family and encouraged students to speak out whenever they have problems and to seek professional help. Students are encouraged to contact the SADAG 24-hour hotline on 0800 747 747.

Academics can be overwhelming, and some students find it hard to transition and adjust from high school to varsity life, hence students are encouraged to use the free counselling services provided by the University. Rochley Bosman, the current chairperson of the Executive committee of House Education, knew Neo personally and described her as a trendsetter. He recalled his first encounter with her, on 16 April, while she was celebrating her birthday on campus. The president of the SRC, David Kabwa, also expressed his condolences to the Morula family, friends and the students at large and emphasised that students should seek professional help whenever they feel like they are not coping.

Image: Nkululeko Ngcobo