The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) hosted a thought-provoking event to commemorate World Mental Health Month under the theme Let’s Talk: Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health.

The event began with a warm welcome from the organisation’s national executive director, Bharti Patel, who highlighted the importance of open dialogue in addressing the deep connection between gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health challenges.

Michel’le Donnelly, communications and awareness lead at SAFMH, explained about the day’s theme and outlined the programme, setting the tone for a day of reflection, learning, and collaboration.

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One of the key speakers, Dr Zubeda Dangor from the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), shared insights into the organisation’s work in supporting survivors of abuse and providing safe shelter across the country. She reflected on the power of collaboration, saying, “Coming together was a beginning, staying together is progress, but working together is success.”

She was followed by Sdumiso Dube from NICRO, who gave a brief presentation about the organisation’s initiatives to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending through social reintegration programmes.

Representing the TEARS Foundation, Celeste Louw delivered a moving presentation about the organisation’s survivor-centred approach and shared her personal story of overcoming GBV and mental health struggles.

“So, TEARS Foundation has been designed and built around the survivor experience,” she explained. “We don’t call people victims because the minute they reach out for help, they are no longer victims; they are survivors. We’re all about rethinking support and integrating mental health.”

Next, Nomaliza Xabana, deputy director at Phola, spoke about the organisation’s work in offering psychosocial support and trauma counselling to survivors of GBV and other forms of violence.

The final speaker, Norma Mbele, gave a powerful and emotional account of her own experience with GBV and her ongoing fight for justice.

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Through TEARS, she described the pain of supporting other survivors while dealing with her own trauma. “Because remember, I didn’t get justice; I wanted to get justice for other people,” she said.

“Every time I go and fight, I’m being mistreated. I’ve heard of so many devastating cases of young women who lost their lives after being failed by the system. And when I get home, I have to pretend I’m strong, but I get sick inside.”

The event brought together activists, mental health professionals, and survivors to highlight how GBV and mental health are deeply intertwined. It also called for more survivor-centred approaches, collaboration among support organisations, and urgent improvements in how cases are handled by authorities.

Through honest conversations and shared experiences, the SAFMH reminded all present that healing begins with listening and that no one should face trauma alone.

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