Can we Talk about Suicide in Africa?

This morning, while reading an article from Behind the Mask about the suicide of a young South African LGBTI activist, Sabelo Zondo, I wondered how many lost lives were due to suicide in the queer communities in Africa. The practice of autopsies after a sudden death is not a systematic medical practice in Africa, except for some legal reasons. People do take their own life and we need to talk about depression and suicide in the society in general and in the LGBTQI communities in particular. In addition to dealing with the stressful transition from childhood to adulthood, LGBTQI youth face many other challenges in Africa. Among other issues, the lack of supportive, positive social structures that allow different gender expression contribute to make LGBTQI youth very vulnerable to depression and suicide attempts. But it does not have to be this way. Can we start by talking about suicide. We should not be ashamed to admit that we are going through depression. We should train and enable queer youth to assist their peers who are dealing with traumatic experiences.

Sabelo Zondo, might you rest in peace.

Take Action

Read Behind the Mask ‘s article about Sabelo Zondo’s suicide. Share your experience. Start talking about depression and suicide with your peers. Share your story if you have experienced depression and/or suicidal thoughts.

While suicide among gay and lesbian youths remains on the rise in South Africa, a close friend to Sabelo Zondo, a gay rights activist and founder of South African Youth Liberation Organisation (SAYLO), deny that he took his life due to anything that had to do with his sexual orientation.
“Sabelo’s sexuality was never an issue, he lived his life openly as a gay man”, Sabelo Khumalo, a close friend of Zondo said.

Remembered by many as a great friend and a mentor who touched many people’s lives, Zondo allegedly committed suicide on 16 December 2010, leaving his unsuspecting family and friends devastated.

Zondo was born on 14 February 1985. He was laid to rest on 24 December 2010. At the time of his death he was studying Business Management at the Durban University of Technology.

His death shocked family and friends who continue to flood his facebook wall with messages of condolences.

“You always encouraged me and gave me hope, you never judged me. When ever you were around there were always smiles and laughter, now all I have are memories and lots of pictures and videos of our time on earth. Rest in peace my friend you will always have a place in my heart”, Tessa Nontso wrote on facebook.

“You were not only a brother to me you were a mentor and a great friend”, Khaya Zondo wrote.

While reasons for taking his life remain a mystery some of his friends refuse to accept his decision to cut his life short.

“After all you had been through Sabelo you survived it all, why now? Posting on your wall maybe will help me deal with the anger and sadness, we had just met, I wish we had more time. We will miss you”, Khethiwe Ntshangase questioned in frustration.

Activist Emily Craven also expressed her condolences, “I was so saddened to read about Sabelo’s passing, a terrible loss, my thoughts are with his family and friends, rest in peace.”

“Only God can provide us with an answer to the question why Sabelo took his life. Lala ngoxolo (rest in peace) Mthiyane, Sokhulu, Mnguni kaManekwane. I think you played your part in life, you touched so many hearts and you will be missed by all who crossed paths with you”, a message by Zondo’s sister Jabulile Zondo read.