Dear students and staff

Both myself and the entire UP community are filled with great sadness following the news of the death of a student who died by suicide yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends, and with those who’ve lost loved ones in similar tragic circumstances. With exams around the corner, this is a highly pressured time for our students, and I urge any student who feels overwhelmed – even by situations of a personal nature – to seek help from the available university support systems.

Please approach any of the 16 psychologists or support peer groups who provide support across our campuses (see the number for the UP Careline below, or visit https://www.up.ac.za/student-counselling for more information). Individual and group counselling is available through the Student Counselling Unit on each campus. The University also has an agreement with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to provide students with 24-hour telephonic support. Students in residences are encouraged to speak to their house parents when they feel they need additional support.

CONTACT NUMBERS:

•            UP 24-hour crisis line:    0800 006 428
•            UP Careline:       0800 747 747
•            SMS UP to 31393
•            South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Suicide Crisis Line:  0800 567 567

I urge you to make use of these channels, and to always seek support when you are faced with problems that seem insurmountable.

Professor Tawana Kupe
Vice-Chancellor and Principal