Mental health issues should not be used to justify violence and harming others. This was the central message at an event hosted by SOS Children’s Villages in collaboration with Tyeks Security Services, recognizing October as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Under the theme “A Mentally Healthy Nation is a Safe Nation,” the event brought together four children’s homes—SOS Children’s Villages, Siyakhana Children’s Home, Thembelihle Children’s Home, and Sdwadwa Primary School—for a one-day soccer tournament. The event featured awareness talks by mental health and security experts at the packed SOS Children’s Villages’ sports grounds.
Siyabonga Ngcangisa, spokesperson for Tyeks Security Services, emphasized the connection between mental health and safety. “People dealing with challenges like depression or anxiety sometimes act out of character, even committing violent acts without realizing it. We focused on children’s homes because many children there have been abused or neglected, which can severely affect their mental health as they grow up,” he explained.
Thandekile Mhlanganyelwa, Tyeks’ security operations manager, addressed a crowd of over 100, asserting that mental illness should not be used as an excuse for criminal behavior.
“You are the guard of your own mental health. You are your own teacher and social worker. It starts with you. Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety and depression; speak to someone about them. Many people I grew up with turned to drugs and violence to cope, and that path led to their deaths,” he warned.
Social worker Zikhona Mnyaiza from TBHIV Care urged young people to alert others if they notice behavioral changes in their peers.
“If a child suddenly loses interest in playing soccer or constantly bullies others, these are red flags. Such behaviors indicate inner struggles, so report them to teachers, social workers, or elders,” Mnyaiza advised.
Dr. Vuyelwa Ntshangase, from the mental health unit at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, highlighted the importance of prevention. “It’s easier to prevent mental health issues than to cure them. Stay positive, and avoid alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, as they can lead to actions that may land you in jail,” she cautioned. Dr. Ntshangase also noted the high incidence of suicide among children aged 12 to 15 and encouraged the young audience to embrace physical activities, which are scientifically proven to help with anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The event successfully combined sports and mental health awareness, reinforcing the idea that addressing mental health proactively is essential to creating safer communities.
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