Challenging issues related to student suicide within DUT and its surrounding community, the Student Christian Association (SCA) together with the department of Student Services and Development at the University held a Speak Out and Suicide awareness march.

The march was recently held between campuses, spreading suicide consciousness amongst students. Attended by the renowned guest speaker and motivational speaker, Nkululeko Khanyi, the event offered students a platform to convey issues that they felt led to suicide.

In his address to students, Acting Dean of Students, Malusi Nxumalo commended SCO and all stakeholders for the initiative. “This campaign is not only for students who have committed suicide but for those who have also been suicidal. We need to create a community that supports each other. Sometimes you only realise after someone is gone that they wanted you to reach out to them and assist,” he said.

Further alluding to Nxumalo’s sentiments, DUT Senior Psychologists Sihle Mbanjwa in his presentation highlighted that suicide was a worldwide issue. “Suicide is not just about you and I nor is it only a DUT problem but it is a crisis faced by the whole world. If you suspect that someone is suicidal, you must offer as much support as you can,” said Mbanjwa.

Below are some of the warning signs of suicide:
• Talking or writing about death.
• Complaining or feeling hopeless.
• Talking about being trapped in situations.

Factors that contribute to suicide can be:
• Lack of resilience to fight against problems.
• Depression, trauma or abuse.
• Peer-Pressure

Pictured: Students seated with placards at the #SayNoToSuicide campaign.

Sthabile Gwala