Hosted on the eve of the anniversary of South Africa’s hard lockdown on 27 March 2020, Mandela University staff and students will also be able to share the names of loved ones who have passed on in the past year to be included in the online service (see details below).

Collective tribute
The impact of COVID-19 means the world as we once knew it has changed forever. We have lost much, including those things we can no longer do or enjoy – like simply being together, and not to mention the many milestone occasions, like graduation, that we have missed.

But of course, it is the loss of individuals who touched and changed our lives, including our own 11 Mandela colleagues and one student, that has impacted us most.

We recognise that staff and students have lost mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters and life-long friends. This has been very hard. 

And so, we are inviting you to use the opportunity to connect virtually in remembering what we have lost and to give thanks for each of those who have passed on during the past year. This includes all who have died, not only those who succumbed to COVID-19, since many of us have not been able to pay our respects because of COVID-19 safety regulations.

Share names of loved ones
To include the names of those whose lives you wish to remember and celebrate as part of the pre-recorded Remembrance Service, please go to the staff or student portal to type in their names.

Service details to follow
Full details of the multi-lingual service, along with an invitation, will follow.

Coronavirus Task Team

Communication and Marketing