TUT in solidarity with UFH during its hour of mourning 


15 May 2023

On the dark and rainy Eastern Cape winter morning of 13 May 2023, University of Fort Hare (UFH) staff member and executive body-guard Mr Msingathi Lawrence Langa was laid to rest at eMnyameni village in Kentani. Langa died in a car accident on 30 April 2023. He is the second UFH executive bodyguard to die since Mr Mboneli Vesele was shot dead in January this year. 

The late Msingathi Langa - image supplied.

TUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, together with members of the executive management of the University of Fort Hare, joined the inconsolable family members, as well as hundreds of grieving villagers who came to bid farewell to one of their own. 

Born on 14 December 1990 in Kentani, ten months after the release of Nelson Mandela and 115 kilometres from Xunu where Mandela was born. Although the 33-year-old Msingathi Langa was not exactly a “born free”, he lived his entire childhood, youth and adult life in democratic South Africa. 

At the funeral, speaker after speaker painted a picture of a peaceful and amiable man who was a good soccer player in his days and a staunch supporter of Orlando Pirates. His colleagues at UFH spoke of a dependable, diligent and conscientious worker. Having already lost his parents, Msingathi is survived by his elder sister, Avela and his son, Alunasiphelo.

The TUT Council, Management, staff and students sent their deepest condolences to the entire University of Fort Hare community. 

May the soul of Msingathi Langa rest in peace. Lala ngoxolo Rhadebe! Mthumkhulu!

The Imbongi (Praise singer) at the funeral of Msingathi Lawrence Langa.
from right, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal with colleagues from UFH, Dr Nthabiseng Taole-Mjimba, DVC: Research, Partnerships and Innovation; and Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo, Dean of Student Affairs.

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