A message of HOPE defined as Hold On; Pain Ends was shared with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) students during the World Suicide Prevention Day event which was hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences in collaboration with the Student Counselling and Health unit. This event was held at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko campus in Durban on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
Facilitating the event was Mr Philasande Hlomuka, Student Mentor-Advisor under the Centre for Excellence in Learning (CELT) at DUT.
In his welcome and opening remarks, Mr Zamani Mayeza, Community Engagement Coordinator in the Faculty of Health Sciences encouraged the students to choose life and not silence. He said they can choose life through speaking. Mayeza reminded the students that there are people to talk to internally and externally, who are always willing to assist.
Ms Candice McCain, Senior Psychologist in the Student Counselling and Health unit said that the purpose of the event was to make students aware that suicide was a worldwide problem and to also give them tips on how to deal with the situation. She shared that sometimes it is not mental health or depression that leads one to be suicidal, however feelings of hopelessness could also lead to suicide. She encouraged the students to be able to speak out early and reach for help when facing challenges, to prevent further loss.
Raising suicide awareness and preventative measures was Ms Alifa Hossain, Psychologist in the Student Counselling and Health unit. She indicated that often when people speak out about suicide they are often said to be attention seekers, however, she said this was not the case, it was them reaching out for help. She encouraged the students to practice kindness with everyone and to remember to hold on as pain ends.
“Silence fuels stigma. Don’t let fear or embarrassment prevent you from reaching out for help. Asking for help is not a weakness but it is a sign of courage,” advised Ms Hossain.
Counselling Psychologist from Higher Health, Ms Cebisile Kubeka shared the 24-hour helpline with the students: 0800 36 36 36, encouraging the students to use it, as there are professionals on the other side waiting to equip them with problem solving skills. She shared that some of the calls they receive from students were of someone calling and saying he/she was studying but was not absorbing anything, someone hearing voices and seeing things. She applauded the students who can reach out for help when noticing that their academic progress was being affected. Ms Kubeka assured the students that help is available and once they engage with psychologists, they would be able to understand what to do during a crisis. She shared that they will be given tips on how to navigate the feelings of hopelessness.
Outgoing Student Representative Council (SRC) Academic Officer, Mr Bongumusa Shinga and SRC Social and Welfare Officer, Ms Slindile Mabonga addressed the students, urging them to never suffer in silence. They encouraged the students to be compassionate amongst one another and to be always there to offer a helping hand. They discouraged the stigma of counselling being only for the weak, saying reaching out for help was a sign of bravery.
Attendees were also part of the candlelight ceremony in memory of the students who recently passed away in tragic incidents. The ceremony also symbolised the celebration of survival and thriving in the university.
Dr Nokuthula Mavela from the Student Support Development unit at CELT facilitated the robust question and answer session, where students were given an opportunity to have an open discussion with the supportive services staff within the university. Dr Mavela gave prizes to all the students who were part of the discussion.
In closing Mr Mayeza thanked all the staff, students and external stakeholders who attended the event, for their support and contributions in making the event a success.
Pictured: DUT staff, Ms Candice McCain and Mr Philasande Hlomuka during the Candlelight Ceremony.
Photography: DUT Multimedia.
Simangele Zuma
