VEREENIGING.-  The Lethukuthula Mental Institute celebrated its 10th anniversary over the past weekend in Steelpark, Vereeniging.

Based in Steelpark, Lethukuthula Mental Institute caters to both males and females, and they currently have 45 patients who come from as far as Soweto and the East Rand. The celebration was also used as an opportunity to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and to celebrate the patients’ birthdays.

Elizabeth Mbutuma, the institute’s director, said they are running the project from their own pockets and would gladly welcome any sponsors and funding.

Some of the serious issues that were raised during the event were the treatment of patients with mental health issues, the stigma against them, admitting the problems they face, and the care of patients with mental health problems. Community members were urged to take care of people with mental health problems and not make fun of their situation.

“Everyone is welcome here. Although we have been running for the past ten years without any funding, we welcome everyone. The members of the community, in particular those from the Vaal, should feel free to seek help from us should they or any of their loved ones need help. We are here for them,” Mbutuma said.