Kavihuha Mahongora & Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp on teacher suicide in Ohangwena region
July 23, 2025
The Ohangwena region has been rocked by a wave of tragic suicides involving teachers, with three educators reportedly taking their own lives within the span of just three days.
In the latest incidents, a teacher from Okongo is said to have died by suicide early Tuesday morning at around 07h00. Later that same evening, another teacher from Ohehonge Combined School, also in the Ohangwena region, reportedly took his own life at around 20h00.
Mental health professionals have described these disturbing events as potential cases of ‘copycat suicide’, where one suicide may influence others, particularly in close-knit communities or professions.
The alarming trend has raised urgent questions about the mental wellbeing of teachers, and whether many are silently battling depression and burnout without adequate support.
Are our educators suffering in silence? What systems are in place to protect their mental health? And what more needs to be done?
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has issued a heartfelt message of condolence and concern following a spate of suicides involving three teachers in the Ohangwena region, calling the events one of the most painful moments of her tenure.
To help us unpack these issues, we are joined on air by unionist Kavihuha Mahongora, who shares his perspective on the state of mental health among teachers and the urgent interventions needed.
