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Rev Dr Hundzukani Portia Khosa from the University of Venda, South Africa, has expressed concern over rising cases of mental health challenges particularly anxiety and depression among university students globally, attributing them to increasing academic pressures and social adjustment difficulties.

She made the remarks while delivering a public lecture titled “Beyond the Mind: Integrating Spiritual Insight and Mental Health for Meaningful Living in Higher Education,” held at the University of Botswana Library Auditorium on the 24th of September 2025. Dr Khosa noted that mental health significantly affected students’ academic performance, overall quality of life and interpersonal relationships. She added that new students, in particular, often struggled to cope with societal pressures and expectations which may lead to mental health challenges.

Citing research findings, Dr Khosa revealed that suicide accounted for 1.4 percent of deaths globally, with high rates among students aged between 15 and 29. She further highlighted that about 15 percent of adolescents experienced mental health disorders while 3.4 percent of those aged 15–19 suffered from depression.

Dr Khosa also pointed out that mental health issues remained poorly understood in many African households. She warned that untreated mental illness could lead to suicide and urged institutions to promote awareness, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour among students and staff. She emphasised that creating supportive environments fostered a culture of inclusivity, understanding and access to medical and emotional support.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Maria Nnyepi, commended the relevance of Dr Khosa’s lecture, noting that it came at a time when the nation was grappling with rising mental health concerns and an increasing number of youth suicides. She underscored that mental health was a global challenge requiring concerted efforts and encouraged continued collaboration between the University of Botswana and the University of Venda to make a meaningful impact in the communities they served.