Friends of an organisation focused on helping residents of Pretoria cope with trauma gathered on March 7 for a community fundraiser in the Moot in support of Mon Ami Trauma Troops.

Mon Ami Trauma Troops is a volunteer-driven organisation that offers emotional support and counselling to people affected by traumatic incidents across Pretoria and greater Tshwane.

The event, held in a spirit of community solidarity, brought together residents, local entrepreneurs and organisations that share a commitment to strengthening neighbourhood support networks.

Stalls lined the venue where small businesses and community groups displayed their work and services. Among the organisations represented were Adassa, helping the elderly and their families cope with Alzheimer’s, and several independent entrepreneurs who used the opportunity to both raise funds and build connections within the community.

Organisations including CPFs, the Villieria SAPS, and representatives of security companies were also present.

Music formed an uplifting backdrop to the day’s proceedings, with retired policeman Wayne Lightfoot providing live entertainment.

His performance added a relaxed atmosphere to the event while community members visited stalls, shared stories and listened to inspirational speakers who focused on hope, resilience and practical ways to support one another during difficult times.

Mon Ami Trauma Troops plays a unique role in the Pretoria community.

The name Mon Ami, which means ‘my friend’ in French, reflects the group’s philosophy of compassionate support and solidarity with those experiencing trauma. The organisation is a community-based support group that provides free emotional assistance to people affected by traumatic events such as crime, accidents and sudden loss.

Members work closely with first responders, such as the SAPS and CPFs. When these responders notify them about incidents, like hijackings or home invasions, trained volunteers go to the scene to provide emotional support and counselling to victims and families.

Their work does not only focus on civilians. Uniformed personnel who respond to traumatic scenes are also offered an empathetic ear.

“First responders and police officers often carry the emotional weight of what they see,” spokesperson Estelle Gerber explained during the event. “Sometimes they also need someone to talk to who understands the trauma they have witnessed.”

The group’s support network extends beyond emergency response. Through co-operation with the Valley Methodist Centre, the organisation has helped develop the Valley Crisis and Development Centre.

Two years ago, volunteers realised there was a growing need in the community for practical assistance as well as emotional care.

A soup kitchen was established to support residents struggling to make ends meet. At the same centre, counsellors now offer sessions where residents can receive counselling and emotional care free of charge.

The facility has developed into what organisers describe as a one-stop community hub where residents can find practical help, emotional support and guidance in times of crisis.

Training programmes also form part of the organisation’s outreach. Courses are offered to domestic workers to equip them with knowledge on how to respond during a home invasion, particularly when they are alone in a house. Self-defence courses and awareness training are also provided to empower these workers, as well as members of the community, with practical safety skills.

The management of the organisation consists of Carmen Engelbrecht (chairperson), Gerber (vice-chairperson), Magda Coetzee (treasurer), Martine Schwartz (secretary) and Debra Vogel (public relations officer).

While the event celebrated the work of the organisation, one of the most powerful moments of the day came when a member, who had been helped by Mon Ami, shared his personal journey of recovery.

Wood and steel artist Wiid Bannister, who owns a business creating handcrafted artworks, told the audience how his life had spiralled into darkness after a health crisis.

A few years ago, Bannister was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The diagnosis was sudden and frightening, but his treatment moved quickly.

“I was admitted to hospital and operated on within a week,” he told those attending. “A scan later on showed that I was completely cancer-free.”

Despite the positive medical outcome, the emotional aftermath proved far more complicated.

“In February 2024, after the healing, I developed depression,” Bannister said. “By my own admission, I drank too much.”

During a difficult period, he became involved in an altercation after an accident. In a moment he deeply regrets, he held someone at gunpoint.

Realising the seriousness of what had happened, Bannister handed himself over to the authorities but could not obtain bail immediately.

While he was being held at the police station, one of the Mon Ami counsellors, Carmen Engelbrecht, was contacted.

“She came to speak to me,” Bannister recalled. “I realised what I had become, and she gave me a Bible which I read in the holding cells.”

That encounter became a turning point.

“I gave my heart back to the Lord,” he said. “After my bail release, I worked with Carmen and Mon Ami to get my life back on track. The counselling changed our lives.”

He spoke openly about how close he had come to losing hope entirely.

“If not for that, I would not be standing here today because I was thinking of taking my life,” he told the audience.

Bannister explained that the experience taught him that depression can follow even after physical healing.

“I realised that you can get depression after such an illness as cancer, even though you are healed,” he said.

Since then, he has committed himself to a sober life and a new purpose.

“I had my last drink on 26 February 2024, and now a sip of coffee is a delicious drink to me,” he said with a smile.

Bannister now hopes to start a support group, specifically for men who experience depression after serious illnesses.

“I know what they are going through,” he said. “But I can also help guide them through it so they can change their lives and that of their families.”

His story resonated strongly with many in the audience and illustrated the importance of community-based support structures such as Mon Ami.

Mon Ami Trauma Troops can be contacted at 073 653 4497 or via email at traumatroopers@gmail.com.

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