SUICIDE NUMBERS HIGH, MENTAL HEALTH IS REAL

“To anyone out there who’s hurting — it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength.” ― Barack Obama, former President of the USA.

This article serves a dual purpose: Firstly, to honour the late Zakhona Sibandze - who reportedly took her own life - and to mourn her untimely death. Sibandze was, without a doubt, a remarkably courageous liSwati woman and teacher who challenged all odds to express her emotions during the recent Sibaya dialogue forum, despite the intimidating atmosphere surrounding her at the time.

The other objective of this article is to implore (and inspire) my fellow compatriots in the country to recognise the signs that may lead to those we know contemplating suicide. This is crucial, because awareness can be the first step towards intervention. Although the task may seem daunting, taking action is imperative. Recent media reports suggest the late Sibandze took her own life after reportedly ingesting a deadly poisonous substance. The circumstances that led her to opt for taking her own life are obscure at the moment. But, I have the proclivity to believe that those closest to her were possibly aware of the reasons.

Briefly, before I proceed, let me shed some light about what I know about the late Sibandze and the circumstances that led her to being so famous. I never met her in my life, but the little I gleaned about her character (and what possibly led to her deciding to take her own life), is both motivating and sad at the same time, respectively.

Statements

The late Sibandze, a schoolteacher, garnered nationwide attention due to her remarkably poignant, albeit peculiar, statements during the most recent Sibaya dialogue forum. Media reports indicate that she visited a local general dealer shop, where she encountered individuals within the establishment and purportedly conveyed to them that they were witnessing her for the final time.Other online outlets have claimed that she expressed to those presumably closest to her, the phrase ‘sewudziniwe’, which seems to imply her profound weariness with life. Sources have further alleged that she procured a toxic substance in pill form; upon her arrival at the shop, it was reported that the individuals present could detect a potent odour emanating from her, suggesting that she had already consumed the lethal substance.
However, the veracity of these accounts remains questionable or unconfirmed. Although the details are unsettling, they reflect the complexity of human emotions and actions in the face of despair.

Sadly, Sibandze is no more...
In her discursive contributions at the Sibaya (a traditional gathering), she commenced by delineating her identity, her chief and acknowledging the associated dignitaries. Subsequently, she articulated the now renowned phrase: ‘Seyisukile’ Wena Wa Phakathi... Nayo-ke le ncangancanga..” Furthermore, she proceeded to critique the nation’s leadership, alluding to implications that I am unable to reiterate. What also rendered her a figure of considerable nationwide discussions were the insinuations she made regarding her parents’ intimate life. This not only elicited amusement among a faction of the Sibaya audience; however, it also incited uproar from another contingent that demanded her expulsion from the podium. To this day, she persists as a popular, yet contentious individual.

She was subjected to ridicule and mockery by certain individuals due to her submissions, thereby losing sight of the possibility that she might have been grappling with mental health issues. She evidently also had more in store to articulate as her submissions concerning what and how she felt about the socio-political environment in the country. In her purportedly compromised mental state, it was clear that she definitely required assistance. Was she afforded any support in subsequent times? This represents the pivotal and million-dollar enquiry.
For those of us perceptive enough, despite the dubious nature of her mental state, she presented herself as an exceedingly astute woman with substantial insights regarding pressing issues - particularly those of a political dimension—affecting the nation. Regrettably, she was never able to articulate her perspectives, as she was unceremoniously ejected from the podium and the venue.

The tragic demise of Sibandze highlights the urgent necessity for open discourse concerning mental health challenges and the myriad factors contributing to the profound despair that numerous individuals in Eswatini encounter.  My profound concern is that Sibandze, although she appeared to be a vibrant and intelligent woman, was clearly not at her optimal mental health. Part of her submissions, albeit brief, contained an element of substance. She undoubtedly had more to convey, even though the surrounding environment was intimidating.
No one anticipated that she would articulate the peculiar phrases pertaining to her parents’ intimate status. This, in itself, served as an indicator that her mental well-being was compromised.

Sadly, she was subjected to the prevailing, abhorrent Swati tendency to condescend towards individuals grappling with mental health disorders. The disadvantaged, including the vulnerable and those unable to provide for themselves—whether due to unemployment or a challenging familial backdrop—often face such disdain. However, this raises critical questions about societal attitudes towards mental health and the support systems in place for those in need. Although the circumstances are disheartening, the conversation must continue. Questions arise: Was a follow-up made on how Sibandze was coping with her challenges regarding her mental health? Did the community she was living in bother itself to protect, nurture and see to it that Sibandze would not one day decide she was tired of living a harsh life and opted for taking her own life?

The mere fact that she bid farewell to people she knew is an indicator that whatever help she sought she probably did not receive. She then made the decision to take the easy way out. She succeeded. She’s gone, and is now a mere statistic in the growing number of suicides in a country that gives little regard for people with mental health issues. Sibandze was obviously a brilliant woman who had so much potential and who could have contributed to the development of her community and the country through the education of our children, had she been given the necessary care, treatment and love all of us deserve as human beings.

I reiterate she is..no more.
In the wake of this tragic loss, it is essential (imperative, if you will) that we unite as a community to confront the urgent issue of mental health -particularly the distressing rates of suicide and depression that have intensified due to the difficult circumstances we currently endure as a nation. Coping with life, specifically in the rural expanse is, at present, an arduous endeavour. If enduring solutions are not identified to mitigate this alarming trend in suicides, brace yourself for the most dire consequences.  Occasionally, we encounter reports in the nation’s media that highlight profoundly disturbing incidents of suicide, particularly among students in tertiary institutions; however, there has also been an unsettling increase in suicides among members of law enforcement agencies as well.

The dire state of mental health in the country has drawn attention to the complex web of socio-economic challenges that many citizens face daily. As the shadows of despair loom large, it is essential for society to recognise both the symptoms and the underlying causes of this tragic phenomenon.

Opportunities

Unemployment stands as one of the most significant contributors to the rising suicide rates. With limited job opportunities and a high level of competition for available positions, many citizens find themselves stuck in cycles of poverty. Reports indicate that the job market is rife with corruption where nepotism reigns supreme, leading to despair among those who strive for employment based on merit. This situation is especially dire for young graduates who, after investing years in their education, struggle to find gainful employment. The feeling of hopelessness can drive individuals to consider drastic measures, as they see no way out of their economic predicament.

From the scant information I have managed to compile, it is evident that the existence of tertiary students is fraught with heartbreak. The protracted delays in the disbursement of student allowances wreak havoc on many individuals; this is especially distressing for those residing off-campus. They are burdened with rental expenses, utility bills and the necessity of sustenance—the list is interminable. It defies comprehension why the administration of the country invariably grapples with complications when it comes time to distributing students’ allowances. For some, these challenges become insurmountable and the only recourse appears to be the tragic decision to end their own lives. The nagging question is: Is it plausible to deduce that for some sinister or ulterior reasons, the administration is deliberately frustrating the students?

The daily struggles of life, exacerbated by economic difficulties, social unrest and the lingering repercussions of the recent global pandemic (COVID-19), have imposed a significant burden on the mental well-being of countless individuals in the country. It is crucial that we remain vigilant in identifying the signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, which often go unnoticed until it is too late. This article seeks to inspire the people of Eswatini to cultivate an atmosphere of openness and support, allowing individuals to share their challenges without the fear of stigma or judgment.

It is truly disheartening to note that there is a general perception among emaSwati to ridicule and consider those who take their own lives as weaklings or failures. Let us refrain from placing blame on those who decide to take their own lives. EmaSwati are under a lot of stress, due to a diverse number of emotional problems. We need to address this phenomenon by investigating its causes and find lasting solutions to the escalating number of suicides in the country.

If you see someone enduring profound suffering, please try your best within reasonable means to extend your assistance if and where possible; your intervention could potentially save a life. It is essential to leave the judgement of those who decide to take their own lives to a Higher Power (God), particularly for those who struggle to make a decent living. I may not know what went wrong with Sibandze emotionally which caused her to decided to take her own life...but her alleged last words, “Sengidziniwe” trigger a concern:  Many of our compatriots are going through a lot. Some may survive ..for others like Sibandze, living a life of insurmountable personal challenges is just too much. Let’s be vigilant and recognise the emotional problems our family members, friends, students, etc., might be going through. Let us intervene timeously before more precious lives are lost.

In our joint effort to provide emotional support, it is essential that we consolidate our initiatives—whether through community programmes, peer support networks or simply by being available for one another in times of need. By fostering a culture grounded in empathy and understanding, we can help individuals facing mental health issues to feel less alone and more empowered to seek the help they need. This mission, however, requires a collective dedication to change, as only through collaboration can we create a safer and more supportive environment. Moreover, it is crucial to advocate for the improvement of mental health resources and services within our communities, particularly in areas affected by poverty.

This effort includes raising awareness, training educators, bagcugcuteli, religious leaders, community leaders etc.,to identify signs of mental distress, and ensuring that mental health services are accessible to everyone - especially in rural regions where resources may be scarce. While the obstacles we face are considerable, our determination must remain unwavering, as the health of our communities relies on it. Suicide indzaba yetfu sonkhe. Nawe dlala indzima yakakho.

Peace! Shalom!

7605 8449

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