By Burnett Munthali
Malawi’s higher education sector is grappling with a wave of grief following the deaths of two university students on the same day, sparking widespread concern across the nation.
On June 28, 2025, Wezzie Magaye, a student at Mzuzu University, and Brazio Kambalame, a student at the University of Malawi, tragically passed away under yet-to-be-disclosed circumstances.
The news of the dual loss has sent shockwaves through the academic community, leaving students, lecturers, and university administrators deeply saddened.
Authorities at both institutions have expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, describing the deaths as a devastating blow to their respective university communities.
Fellow students have taken to social media and campus gatherings to pay tribute to their departed colleagues, highlighting the need for unity and emotional support during this difficult period.
While the causes of the deaths are yet to be officially confirmed, the incidents have reignited conversations around student health, mental well-being, and the pressures faced by young people in tertiary institutions.
Both universities have acknowledged the urgent need to enhance wellness programs and provide adequate support systems to help students cope with academic, social, and psychological stress.
Calls are growing louder for university administrations and the government to take proactive steps in investing in mental health services, peer counselling, and early intervention programs across campuses.
Students have also appealed to policymakers to prioritize the creation of safe, supportive learning environments that promote not only academic success but emotional resilience.
The back-to-back tragedies have raised serious questions about the readiness of Malawi’s universities to handle student welfare challenges in an increasingly complex world.
As families grieve their loved ones and campuses remain heavy with sorrow, the nation is being urged to take a long, hard look at the structural gaps that may be endangering the youth.
For now, the memories of Wezzie Magaye and Brazio Kambalame live on in the hearts of their peers, a painful reminder of the fragile journey students undertake in pursuit of a brighter future.
Malawi mourns—not just for two lives lost—but for the urgent wake-up call these deaths represent for the entire education system.
