Durban — About one million people commit suicide each year. Every 40 seconds, the loss of a person who killed themselves shatters the lives of family and friends.
World Suicide Prevention Day is marked on September 10 to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.
On average, almost 3 000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.
For family and friends affected by suicide or attempted suicide, the emotional impact can last for years.
Failing to cope with the absence of his father who has been missing for more than two years, a Grade 11 pupil from Kuhlekonke High School in eMaswazini village outside Pietermaritzburg allegedly committed suicide.
Mlondi Ngubane allegedly hanged himself from the roof rafters in his rondavel on Monday.
Speaking to the Daily News on Tuesday, his aunt Nozipho Hlengwa said the entire family is reeling in shock and devastation.
She said Ngubane was found by family members. Hlengwa said what shocked them most was that they thought he was at school unaware that he had taken his life.
Hlengwa said he might have had other problems in his life, but the family believed the real reason he decided to take his life was a failure to cope with his father’s disappearance two years ago.
“Mlondi always complained that he was not finding closure and that he did not bury the remains of his father.
“He always said there are many questions he wanted to ask his father. It was painful to us trying to ask him to let it go.
“We believed the time came when he could not cope with the situation,” said Hlengwa.
All the circumstances proved Ngubane had planned to kill himself a long time ago, she said, because on Sunday he threw a mini party for his cousins and friends till late. She said he also sent an apology to his mother saying he loves her, but his mother could not take it seriously that he was bidding farewell.
Ngubane also sent his “funeral programme” to his school friends who are also members of the local Zulu dance group, Abameli, to ensure that they dance the whole night, on Friday, which they now realised he meant to be his night vigil.
The leader of the dance group, Londiwe Ndlovu, confirmed that he received a message from Mlondi requesting her to come dance the whole night and on Saturday for him. Ndlovu said when fellow dancers asked whether he had a traditional function, he said yes.
“At first we thought he was joking but now we know that in fact he was inviting us to attend his funeral and do a Zulu dance.
“We are going to do as he requested to honour his wishes. It is sad. The entire group is shattered by this,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu also confirmed that Ngubane complained that he was missing his father.
If you need help contact:
Lifeline Helpline: 0861-322-322
The South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group
Helpline: 0800 21 22 23 (8am to 8pm)
Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 (8pm to 8am) SMS 31393
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Daily News