A 19-year-old student of Nelson Mandela University, Sesethu Enhle Mboza, tragically took her own life on October 29, 2025, after allegedly being raped by a fellow student. Advocacy group Women For Change revealed that Mboza had reported the assault to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect, who was later released on bail. Despite this, the university reportedly failed to implement adequate protective measures, allowing the alleged perpetrator to remain on campus, a decision that left Mboza traumatized and vulnerable.

In a public statement, Women For Change expressed deep outrage over the university’s handling of the case, condemning what they described as a gross neglect of student safety and mental well-being. The group criticized Nelson Mandela University for not enforcing its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) policies and called for immediate accountability and reform across all South African higher institutions. They emphasized that no survivor should have to endure the pain of encountering their attacker on campus, stressing that Mboza’s death underscores the urgent need for stronger GBV response mechanisms and survivor-centered support systems.