05/08/2026
Today, we honour the memory of Duma Mgqoki: 29 September 2004 – 18 July 2026
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It is with profound sadness that we remember Duma Mgqoki, a cherished member of Groote Schuur Hospital's Better Together Adolescent Programme.
Duma first became involved with Better Together in 2024, when he delighted everyone with a magic performance at our year-end celebration. Earlier this year, he joined the programme as a peer mentor, where he quickly became a trusted role model and friend to many of the young people in our care.
With the blessing of his family, we share the following tribute in his memory:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Duma Mgqoki, an aspiring young magician and a dedicated peer mentor in Groote Schuur Hospital's Better Together Adolescent Programme.
Duma had a passion for inspiring other young people. As a peer mentor, he was able to form deep connections with young people going through difficult times, and had a gift for making everyone feel seen. His big smile and gentle nature could be relied on to convince even the most reluctant teen to give support group a try. Many of the adolescents in the programme looked up to him not just as a mentor, but as a friend who understood what they were going through.
Outside the hospital, Duma trained and taught at the Cape Town College of Magic, and he brought that same spirit of creativity and wonder into his mentoring. Duma's superpower was reminding the young people around him that even in hard moments, there was room for joy, curiosity, and belief in something better ahead.
Duma's quirky sense of humour, kindness and quiet strength touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. He will be deeply missed by the Better Together team, by the young people he mentored, and by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.
Rest in peace, Duma. You brought the magic.
