One man is on a mission to save the lives of young people through his #MatricUngazibulali (Don’t kill yourself, matriculant) Campaign following the release of matric results.
Over 900,000 students wrote the matric exam at the end of last year – a 3% increase over the number of participants in 2021.
Five years ago, Dr Sanele Gamede established the campaign after realising that many matriculants who fail Grade 12 take their own lives because of shame and disappointment.
His passion comes from personal experience. As a young person he failed Grades 10 and 11, and then Grade 12 twice. However, he eventually managed to further his studies to the point where he obtained his PhD in Cultural and Media Studies.
Gamede travels all over the country encouraging matriculants to never lose hope. He also encourages parents to not condemn their kids if they fail, but to motivate them to try again.
Besides his travelling campaign, he has a Facebook page on which he engages with matriculants and parents.
Sinqobile Mkhwanazi, who recently joined the initiative, told Scrolla.Africa that the campaign is giving hope to dejected young people.
Mkhwanazi also shares his story, of failing three times in high school, to inspire others. He is now a lecturer at a higher educational institution.
Sbudere Maludere from Tembisa, who wrote his Grade 12 in 2021, did not get good results.
He heard about the campaign from his brother and decided to join the initiative. He was counselled and was motivated to rewrite his exams, which he passed with flying colours.
According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, up to 20% of high school learners have tried to take their lives.
Almost one in 10 teenage deaths in South Africa annually is as a result of suicide.
For help, contact the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567.
Pictured above: Dr Sanele Gamede
Image source: Supplied
