29/07/2026
Mental Health Awareness Campaign – ACT 360
Today, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, led by Youth Coordination Officer Mohau Modungwe, in collaboration with Loago Rural and Social Economic Development NPC, hosted a Mental Health Awareness Campaign at Northern Cape Rural TVET College, Kuruman.
The program brought together powerful voices and honest conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
FAMSA reminded us that counseling exists for trauma, marriage, family, and work struggles, and that mental wellness is about balancing our emotional, physical, and spiritual selves, while mental illness is often invisible. Simple habits like socializing, exercising, eating well, and sleeping can protect our mental health, while withdrawal, low energy, and hopelessness are warning signs not to ignore, and early intervention saves lives.
They also unpacked substance use among youth, from experimentation to addiction, and how it quietly disrupts education, honesty, and daily life, with too many young people losing quality years to it men especially were encouraged to acknowledge their struggles and seek support without shame.
They honestly about gender-based violence, a declared national disaster deeply tied to mental health, absent fathers, and generational cycles of anger, showing up as emotional, physical, economic, and sexual abuse with men also recognized as victims.
Thuthuzela Care Centre offers support for all genders, ages, and the LGBTQI+ community, and early reporting reduces risk. One of the most powerful moments was a parent's story of cyberbullying pushing their son toward self-harm, a painful reminder of why we must break the silence, especially since men have the highest su***de rates because too many suppress their emotions.
We closed by learning how the emotional thermometer helps us self-assess before things escalate, and that while stress is universal, persistent low mood, loss of interest, and poor sleep may signal depression, and seeking help early truly matters.
Thank you to every organisation and participant who showed up for this cause.
Together, we're building healthier minds, safer homes, and stronger communities. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to FAMSA, Soul City, SUDI, or Thuthuzela Care Centre help is available.
Presentations were made by:
Loago
Anova Health Institute
ACVV
Life Changing Movement
FAMSA
Soul City
Substance Use Disorder Intervention (SUDI)
NICDA
Ndoko Projects
Blackrock
Thuthuzela Care Centre
NPA
Karabelo GBVF Response
Department of Sport, Arts And Culture
