In South Africa, psychological issues are a significant concern and a crisis.

The country has just lost veteran actor, Patrick Shai, who committed suicide in his Soweto home, and another famous figure, legendary hip-hop musician and producer Riky Rick, who passed away in an apparent suicide in February.

The event was held in Tekatakho, KaBokweni, on Saturday March 26. Pr Cebelihle Shongwe, one of the founders of Phila Ministry, hosted the conference.

The speakers were Themba Manzini, a clinical psychologist, and Ap Dimakatso Mongwe.

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Phila Ministry is a non-profit organisation that was established in 2019 with the goal of reaching out to sexually abused victims and those suffering from emotional stress and traumas, in order to assist them in their healing process. Shongwe said,

“The aim of the event was to help educate people about emotional intelligence and offer a safe platform where victims can find a space to relate with others and to find healing and support through other people’s testimonies. The plan is to amplify to any broken person out there, whether male or female, that there is total emotional healing that Christ has to offer, and our goal is to give attendees the coping skills post adverse events on their lives. I believe that if such platforms opened, people can find a safe space, where they can relate with others who are going through painful experiences and so that they can hear other people’s victorious stories that will somehow give support and comfort.

“Psychological and emotional healing is one area I believe should be strengthened in people’s lives to reduce the burden on the already overwhelmed health system. People are faced with serious emotional problems and traumatic experiences, like rape, failed relationships, gender-based violence, disappointments and diagnoses of several chronic diseases.”

Manzini said psychological issues such as depression are extremely dangerous and poisonous to one’s mental health.

“Depression is a real poison to one’s mind; it sucks the life out of one’s body, and the only way to survive is to seek help from professionals, speak out and join support groups.” Shongwe said they are planning to host another event before the year ends.