‘You can get through anything’ – student’s last video before suicide

“You can get through anything.”

These were the words of encouragement of Kondyeni Abraham (20) in his last video on Tik-Tok on 3 December 2023.

Seven months later, Abraham was found dead in his dorm by classmates in a suspected suicide at the University of Namibia’s (Unam) hostel in Windhoek.

The police say he did not show up for exams last Wednesday and Thursday and his friends got worried and went to to check up on him the following day.

In the Tik-Tok video, the second-year computer science student tells friends to be driven by their greatest potential.

“You may not sometimes see it or feel it, nor get to recognise it. You are one of the best in a million. You are driven by the courageous and greatest potential in you,” he said.

“You might feel disappointed, you might feel regretful but you are the most powerful person,” he said.

Family spokesperson Johannes Shimuningeni told The Namibian this week they were still trying to process what happened and could not comment.

“His death came by surprise to all of us and we do not know anything pertaining to his suicide,” he said.

A friend of Abraham at the university, who spoke to The Namibian on condition of anonymity, said the deceased complained of financial difficulties along with the stress of not qualifying for an upcoming exam which would potentially lead to him not proceeding to the next academic year.

Unam assistant director of student affairs Tangeni Velikoshi said a lack of information is the leading factor when it comes to students dealing with their problems.

“We provided meals, financial assistance and accommodation to students who have met the set criteria. We have a number of opportunities such as student assistance jobs that are accessible if they come to us,” he said.

Unam Student Representative Council (SRC) president Twapewa Mungoba said the SRC will take an intentional and aggressive approach to connecting academic and student counsellors with students on campus.

“We will make these facilities and the Mental Health Awareness Week more known to the students and the public so that they are able to access them. Even if we have to go door to door in the hostels,” she said.

The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) called for the integration of mental health awareness education in the curriculum.

The union said introducing mental health education in the curriculum will assist students in better understanding and managing their emotions and stress.

SUN further urged students to seek support.

Social work specialist Dr Lovisa Nghipandulwa said the country is losing more and more people to suicide, specifically men, due to the tradition that raises boys to be tough and not to cry.

She said people become suicidal when they cannot cope with life challenges, such as rejection or failure.

Nghipandulwa said it is necessary to sensitise people to seek help on behalf on those they suspect are suicidal or refer them to places where they can get timely assistance.