Safina Mwaka, a 22-year-old Zambian graduate of Rwandan refugee heritage, was buried at Mitumbi Cemetery on October 8, 2026, just six days after walking across the stage to collect her university degree. She had attended Cavendish University Zambia's 19th graduation ceremony at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre's KK Wing on Friday, October 2. Mwaka's academic achievement was a milestone for her family, who had endured decades of hardship and survival as Rwandan refugees.
Mwaka's parents, of Rwandan origin, had fled their country as refugees and their harrowing escape and survival story was documented in the 2010 United Nations Mapping Report. This comprehensive record highlighted the grave dangers faced by those caught in the region's devastating conflict. Born in Zambia, Mwaka carried the weight of her family's greatest hopes, and her academic journey was a testament to the sacrifices her parents made to give her a better life.
At the graduation ceremony, Director of ceremonies Derrick Mwape announced Mwaka's name, and she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Banking and Finance with credit. This moment marked the beginning of her future, but tragically, it would be the last milestone her family would share with her. Mwaka reportedly lost consciousness on October 4 and passed away, leaving her family and university community in shock.
The cause of Mwaka's death was not publicly disclosed. Her classmates, friends, and relatives gathered at Mitumbi Cemetery to bid farewell to the young graduate, mourning a life that stood as a testament to extraordinary resilience. Mwaka's legacy was shaped by her academic achievement and her family's remarkable story of survival.
Jean Serge Mandela shared news of Mwaka's burial on Facebook, describing the transition from celebration to mourning as one that had left her family and university community deeply heartbroken. Mwaka's death was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of loss on those closest to her.
Mwaka's story drew parallels with another recent incident, where 28-year-old Oluwatomisin died shortly after graduating in Science Laboratory Technology from LAUTECH. In both cases, families had celebrated their loved ones' achievements, only to be met with devastating news.
The news of Mwaka's passing was reported by Tuko.co.ke, a platform that highlighted her story and others like it. The article was authored by John Green, a Parenting and Human Interest Editor at Tuko, who has received training from Google and WAN-IFRA.
Key points
- Safina Mwaka, a 22-year-old Zambian graduate, died 48 hours after graduating from Cavendish University Zambia.
- Mwaka's family had endured decades of hardship and survival as Rwandan refugees.
- The cause of Mwaka's death was not publicly disclosed.
