Ngurare gets candid about suicidal thoughts during financial crisis
Credits survival to support of 'loved ones and comrades'
The prime minister has urged the public and private sectors to work together to address the growing crisis of financial stress, which he said is contributing to rising mental health struggles and, in some cases, suicide.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare today shared a deeply personal confession – rare for such a high-profile figure – revealing that he once contemplated suicide during a period of severe financial distress.
In a candid Facebook post shared earlier today, Ngurare said he battled crippling debt between 2015 and 2019, which nearly led to the repossession of both his home and car. At the time, he said he considered taking his own life so that his family could benefit from his life insurance payout.
"The thought crossed my mind to commit suicide with the hope that my family could benefit from my life cover and that they pay off the debt in full," he wrote.
Ngurare credited his survival to the unwavering support of his loved ones and comrades during that dark chapter.
“Thanks to the support of family, friends and comrades, I managed to thwart off those thoughts... Financial stress happens to most of us and I am still paying off the debt,” he admitted.
Wave of suicides
The prime minister’s emotional testimony comes in the wake of a tragic week in which three teachers in the Ohangwena region died by suicide. One of the victims reportedly cited financial woes in a suicide note.
Ngurare used the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt plea to Namibians facing similar hardship: “To whomever finds themselves on the verge of suicidal thoughts, please don’t go through with it. Fight on, the sun will shine again amidst all hardships of life. To be alive is priceless, especially to one’s family.”
He called on both the public and private sectors to come together in addressing the growing crisis of financial stress among citizens. “Let’s hold hands as a nation to save those in financial distress. By all of us, I mean both government and the private sector.”
- TUYEIMO HAIDULA
In a candid Facebook post shared earlier today, Ngurare said he battled crippling debt between 2015 and 2019, which nearly led to the repossession of both his home and car. At the time, he said he considered taking his own life so that his family could benefit from his life insurance payout.
"The thought crossed my mind to commit suicide with the hope that my family could benefit from my life cover and that they pay off the debt in full," he wrote.
Ngurare credited his survival to the unwavering support of his loved ones and comrades during that dark chapter.
“Thanks to the support of family, friends and comrades, I managed to thwart off those thoughts... Financial stress happens to most of us and I am still paying off the debt,” he admitted.
Wave of suicides
The prime minister’s emotional testimony comes in the wake of a tragic week in which three teachers in the Ohangwena region died by suicide. One of the victims reportedly cited financial woes in a suicide note.
Ngurare used the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt plea to Namibians facing similar hardship: “To whomever finds themselves on the verge of suicidal thoughts, please don’t go through with it. Fight on, the sun will shine again amidst all hardships of life. To be alive is priceless, especially to one’s family.”
He called on both the public and private sectors to come together in addressing the growing crisis of financial stress among citizens. “Let’s hold hands as a nation to save those in financial distress. By all of us, I mean both government and the private sector.”
- TUYEIMO HAIDULA
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