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Men are more likely to commit suicide in South Africa than women.
The 2019 World Health Organization's Global Health Estimates suicide report stated that 13 774 suicides were reported in South Africa for that year. Men accounted for 10 861 of the deaths, while women accounted for 2 913. According to the report, South Africa has the third-highest suicide rate on the continent.
In an effort to engage with this topic, Generation Gender South African Coalition has launched a campaign focusing on unpacking the identity of men, fatherhood and the boy child. This will culminate in an indaba for men and mental health on November 18 at Leano & Live music in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
READ: On average, 14 to 18 men die of suicide every day in SA
Bongani Luvalo, an entrepreneur and co-author of A Father, A Stranger? Mzansi's Memoirs of Fatherhood, says that he is "convinced this campaign is going to assist us a great deal to break the grounds for men to start talking".
Luvalo, who will facilitate a group counselling session during the indaba, says this is important because:
Ntsikelelo Mzibomvu, a visual artist and author, adds that "our society is breaking from the fabric, from the family unit. The challenges of the modern times and the future require us to change the way we think and behave, collectively".
Mzibomvu, who will be moderating a panel during the indaba, says:
Mental health issues play a big part in creating angry men, which then result in violence and alcohol abuse. Hence, the campaign seeks to:
- Dispel the myth that men do not suffer from mental health;
- Create a network for young men to build healthy, resilient interventions for mental health;
- Open opportunities for dialogue, with health thought leaders around men and identity and mental health.
Kabelo Mabalane, known as Bouga Luv from TKZee fame, will be the keynote speaker at the indaba, with veteran freedom fighter Seth Mazibuko also set to take part in the day's event.
