South African Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande urged the son of the woman who died in a stampede at the University of Johannesburg to study hard in honour of his mother, the SABC reported.
Nzimande was speaking at the funeral of Gloria Sekwena, 47, in Kagiso in the west of Johannesburg on Saturday.
The broadcaster said Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane pledged support to the family, providing transport for mourners and counselling services.
Sekwena's coffin was placed in the middle of the mourners inside the Lady of Peace Church surrounded by flowers, while her framed picture was placed nearby, the broadcaster reported.
Family members spoke about Sekwena's desire to see her son getting good education.
The broadcaster further reported that Sekwena had also received a degree in nursing at the same institution in the past.
Sekwena died two weeks ago at the campus while accompanying her son to see him through the application process.
UJ management has offered to pay for her son's studies should he be accepted to study there.
