VIDEO – South African medical student dies in Philippines a month before graduation

Only weeks before graduating as a medical doctor, South African medical student Snegugu Thobeka Myeni residing in the Philippines was robbed of that opportunity after her untimely death.

FAMILY IN KZN APPEAL FOR FUNDS TO REPATRIATE MEDICAL STUDENT

It is reported that the young medical student from KwaZulu-Natal in Utrecht, between Vryheid and Newcastle, passed away at the airport while travelling back home on 10 July.

Her family made a plea on social media to raise funds for the repatriation of her body. However, the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Government heeded the call and committed to assist the bereaved family.

In a statement, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government said it will provide support and assistance to repatriate the mortal remains of the medical student.

“In a video recording where she made an emotional plea for assistance, Lindiwe Myeni, said her daughter, Snegugu Ntobeko Myeni, who was a final year Medical Student in the Philippines, died at the airport on 10 July 2023 as she was about to board a plane back to South Africa,” the office confirmed.

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HELP❗️

Really sad story of Snegugu Myeni, she was doing her final year in medicine Philippines 🇵🇭 She tragically passed away at the airport while returning home. The family is asking for assistance in getting her remains back to the country so she can get buried. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/woaaMi9jWw

— 𝕃𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕠 𝕄𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕚 (@LindoMyeni) July 17, 2023

“Snegugu Myeni was studying to become a Neurosurgeon and it was her lifelong dream to help and serve the people of South Africa.” – KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government

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KZN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT RAISE HAND TO HELP

After hearing about the family’s plight, the KwaZulu-Natal Director-General Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, acting on the direction by Acting Premier Nomagugu Simelane has been in contact with the Myeni family in Utrecht.

A government delegation will also visit the family in order to establish the family’s domestic circumstances and discuss details pertaining to funeral arrangements.

Acting Premier Nomagugu Simelane said: “These are very tragic developments, and it is disheartening to consider that Snegugu was on the cusp of coming back home and continuing to contribute towards the betterment of the lives of her fellow compatriots in her chosen specialist medical field. We know that with each passing day the waiting becomes more difficult, especially for the Myeni family and we will work tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains of their beloved daughter are brought back home for burial by the family, friends and community. Government will engage with authorities in the Philippines to ensure that Snegugu Myeni’s remains are brought home to her loved ones in a dignified manner.”

ACTING PREMIER EXTENDS HEART-FELT CONDOLONCES TO SNEGUGU’S LOVED ONES

“We have directed the Director-General of KwaZulu-Natal Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize to work closely with the Myeni family to provide the necessary assistance and support during this sad and difficult time.”

Simelane

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“On behalf of the government and people of KwaZulu-Natal, we convey our most sincere condolences to the Myeni Family on Snegugu’s demise. We wish her family and friends strength and fortitude as they go through this tragic loss,” said Acting Premier Nomagugu Simelane.

Lastly, Simelane said the Office of the Premier is working with the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation to consolidate efforts towards the repatriation of Myeni’s mortal remains back to South Africa.

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