It is with sadness that the Management of the Military Academy learnt of the passing of Lieutenant Mthokozisi Siphosenkosi Ngxongo, a first year Military Science student at the Military Academy in Saldanha. The student, from Hlabisa, Kwazulu Natal, was found dead in his room at the Academy on 19 August 2013. The cause of his death is still being determined.
Lt Ngxongo was the yeargroup representative for the first year learners at the Military Academy and academically the best in his class. He participated with insight and knowledge and was viewed as the cream of the crop.
The Commandant of the Military Academy, Brigadier General Lawrence Mbatha, together with the Dean of the Faculty of Military Science, Professor Sam Tshehla, commented that the news of the passing of the student came as a bog blow to the Military Academy (Faculty of Military Science). His death is a severe loss for not only the members of the unit as a close-knit community, but also for the country as a whole. One cannot but think of the contribution that he could have made in peacekeeping efforts for his country and even on the continent.
The Academy’s thoughts and prayers are still with his family and friends in this sad time.
The staff and students at the Military Academy have been informed of his death and counselling sessions have been made available. A memorial service was held on 27 August 2013 at the Military Academy. A semi-military funeral was held on Saturday, 31 August 2013 at Hlabisa, Kwazulu Natal.
