The Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) community is grappling with profound grief following the heartbreaking loss of two students to suicide within a single week, shining a stark light on the urgent need for mental health awareness and support on campus.

On August 16, 2025, CUT mourned the death of Takudzwa Alex Mapurisa, a second-year Mechatronics Engineering student who had struggled silently with mental health issues. In response, the Students Representative Council (SRC) designated August 18 as “Black Monday,” encouraging students to wear black as a mark of respect and to promote conversations around mental wellness.

Tragically, just days later, on August 20, 2025, the university was struck by another loss: Abraham Chabata, a first-year Agricultural Engineering student, also died by suicide. This second tragedy renewed the campus’s collective sorrow. To honor Abraham, the SRC declared August 22 as “Black Friday,” calling on students to unite in mourning and to foster a culture of compassion and openness.

The consecutive deaths have sparked urgent discussions about the pressures facing young people in Zimbabwe’s academic institutions and the critical importance of mental health resources. The SRC has urged students to reach out for support—whether through peer counselors, friends, or family—whenever they feel overwhelmed.

Marlvin Saint Madanda, CUT’s SRC Minister for External Affairs, Information and Publicity, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and peers affected, emphasizing the need for solidarity and vigilance.

As CUT mourns these losses, the hope is that these tragedies will serve as a wake-up call to break the silence surrounding mental health struggles and encourage a supportive community where no one feels alone.

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