Nandi opens her heart

eNCA television sports presenter Nandi Tshabalala has learned to look on the brighter side of life, with her positive attitude against mental illness, having set her up to be an ambassador for the Southern African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).

Speaking after the Sadag/ Discovery Health Mental Health Matters Media Summit held in Sandton, Tshabalala (26)

said, “My partnership with Sadag is something I am very proud of and hold close to my heart. The issue of mental illness is a very personal one to me, as I have had to live with depression and anxiety for most of my life.”

She added, “Sadag is in its 20th year of making mental health matter and it is an absolute honour to now be a part of that. My aim is to make people understand that mental illness is real, and that there is help. Do not let the dark, take over your light.”

Speakers at the one-day summit included Boston University Clinical Programme’s Professor Stefan Hofmann (success in the treatment of mental illness

and social phobia), Dr Frans Korb (impact of depression on men and women), Kevin Bolon (phobias and fears of flying), Professor Bernard van Rensburg

(suicide in men) and Zamo Mbele (substance abuse from over the counter to Nyaope).

Tshabalala, who did her schooling in Potchefstroom before studying media journalism at Rhodes University, and having done radio work at OFM

(Bloemfontein) and TV backroom duties at Supersport before getting on to the screen at eNCA, has big plans for her involvement with Sadag.

”We actually have a challenge going on among the Martin Glitz and Glamour-managed presenters Sotho Meyer (Kaya FM Breakfast with Bob show),

Florence Letoaba (eNCA news anchor) and Mahreen Chenia (ANN7 Game On show host) as to who can make the biggest difference to society, so I hope Corporate SA will support my project plans during 2015,” said Tshabalala.

Details: paul.martin@martingandg.co.z or www.martingandg.co.za or SADAG www.sadag.org or 011 234 4837.