Memorial Service for Dr Sphesihle Luvuyo Ngubane

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‘There are many things in life we cannot understand but we must trust God’s judgement and be guided by his hand,’ fifth-year Medical student, Mr Senzo Nkosi, said in an address at the memorial service held for the late UKZN alumnus, Dr Sphesihle Luvuyo Ngubane, at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.

Ngubane died tragically in a car accident after having completed just two weeks of his internship at the George Mukhari Hospital in Pretoria.

Reading from a message of condolence from Ngubane’s friends and colleagues at Gearge Mukharo Hospital, Nkosi said God was greater than everything. ‘If we hold on to faith, whatever may befall us, God will be waiting to help us bear our pain and sorrow, our suffering and our loss. For no pain or suffering is ever too much to yield itself to God’s merciful touch.’

Dean and Head of School of Clinical Medicine, Professor Richard Hift, thanked the Ngubane family for agreeing to share their grief with the University community. He expressed how important it was for students to celebrate a colleague’s life and to remember what they shared. ‘All my students are special and some more special because of their selflessness,’ said Hift.

SRC President, Mr Makabongwe Magudulela, said they were devastated by Ngubane’s death.  ‘We were so blessed to have such a soul. He was undoubtedly one of the best. We wish UKZN will continue to produce great and dedicated people. Sphe indeed inspired greatness,’ added Magudulela.

Ngubane’s friend Mr Lulama Sontangane, described him as a leader and a God-fearing man. He said Ngubane was a member of a religious group, Disciples of Christ.

Lizwe Buthelezi, who had been friends with Ngubane since their first year at Medical School, said he could not believe the news when he received the call about the death. ‘We had plans and dreams,’ he said.  ‘That call gave me an awakening and a reminder that life belongs to God not us,’ he added.

Buthelezi recalled how they studied and recited poetry together. He said Ngubane use to say: ‘Live a life that is worth writing about’ and ‘Time heals all wounds’.

‘Those are words that are hard to accept for all of us. We understand that one day we too will move on but for now we are aching in disbelief at the precious friend and colleague we’ve just lost,’ said Buthelezi.

Senior Clinical Executive Intern Co-ordinator, Dr Andrew Sewanya, spoke on behalf of management and staff at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, ‘Sphe was given to us briefly. We were looking forward to getting to know him better and helping him realise his dreams of a medical career. However, it was not to be. Please accept our deepest sympathy as we mourn with you this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.’

Nombuso Dlamini