Keturah Mental Health Awards honour African changemakers in Kempton Park
Mental health advocates from across Africa gathered in Kempton Park for the inaugural Keturah Mental Health Awards, celebrating resilience and leadership.
The Keturah Mental Health (KMH) Awards held their first South African chapter on October 25 at Le Chateau Guest House and Conference Centre in Kempton Park, honouring individuals making a difference in mental health and their communities.
Participants travelled from across Africa, including Uganda and Botswana, to celebrate achievements in the mental health space.
This year’s theme was ‘Fatherhood and its Impact on Mental Health’.
ALSO READ: Avion Park Golf Club to host fundraiser for Kruinsig rugby stars
KMH serves as a platform that recognises individuals and organisations transforming lives at the grassroots level, bringing mental health issues into the spotlight through themes tailored to African needs.
Angela Nsimbi, founder of KMH Uganda, highlighted the awards’ impact: “More people are speaking about their personal and lived experiences, reducing stigma and discrimination.
“We’re seeing more men coming forward, sharing their struggles, and even writing books. The awards are making a real difference.”
The ceremony featured poetry performances, offering hope and healing. Malisha Peters delivered a heartfelt poem, while Dr.
ALSO READ: Parking and access details for Olifantsfontein Sports Ground event
Michele Michael shared a piece dedicated to fathers who stayed, and those absent, acknowledging the ongoing healing process for their children.
Among the winners were:
• Boitumelo Maila – Grassroot Impact Award
• Sandile Mampharing – Disability Inclusion Award
• Professor Leepile Sehularo – Special Impact Award
• Anele Ndlovu – Leadership through Lived Experience
Boitumelo Maila received her award and a certificate recognising her dedication, compassion, and hands-on leadership in creating meaningful community change.
“Winning this award is more than recognition; it symbolises resilience, purpose, and faith. My journey in mental health has been deeply personal and transformative.
“Every life touched is a victory, and this award reminds me that the journey, with all its challenges, has meaning and impact beyond measure,” Maila shared.
The shared vision of KMH founder Angela Nsimbi and Zinhle Ramashala, a registered counsellor and transformational life coach, inspired the South African chapter.
ALSO READ: Thembisa taxi association trials electric minibus, signalling a shift in public transport
The two met through the African Christian Writers programme and recognised the need for African-centred themes.
This year, they focused on fatherhood and its impact on mental health, aiming to engage more men and policymakers in addressing family challenges.
Sandile Mampharing, recipient of the Disability Inclusion award, expressed the wider significance of his recognition:
“This award is not only for me but for my community and all people living with disabilities. It shows the potential within us, and that we must stand firm, overcome brokenness, and shape our future.”
The KMH Awards continue to shine a spotlight on mental health issues, celebrating resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of personal experience across Africa.
