Local News

SA Medical Student In Philippine Snegugu Ntobeko Myeni Dies At Airport On Way To Her Country

A final-year medical student from South Africa, Snegugu Ntobeko Myeni who was studying in the Philipines, unfortunately died at the airport trying to catch a flight to her country.

She was robbed of an opportunity to graduate as she was only a month away from graduating.

The young medical student from KwaZulu-Natal reportedly died on July 10 at the airport while returning home from Utrecht, which is located between Vryheid and Newcastle.

On social media, her family made a request for donations to help pay for the repatriation of her body. Nevertheless, the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Government answered the appeal and pledged to support the grieving 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.

“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

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.”

“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

“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.

Related Articles

Back to top button