Mzilikazi Youth launches Mental health program

(Left) Fitness Coach Lethuba ‘Nduna’ Khanye & Admire Mrekza Mupewa (Right)

By Kelvin Kutinyo

A local youth from Mzilikazi has launched a mental health program that aims to tackle rising depression cases and promote wellness in the community.

Eze Mental has garnered significant traction on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, with a growing following and active participation, as users contribute their thoughts and support.

The initiative was sparked by a tragic incident in Nguboyenja, where a young girl took her own life following disappointing O-level results, Admire ‘Mrekza’ Mupewa revealed.

“I came up with a different unique idea to shape the growing pandemic in the community because i was heartbroken by what happened to that young girl so I then noticed that we must not only approach the youth but their parents as well, sometimes we don’t notice but they are the root cause of certain choices that the youths end up doing. It’s unfortunate they don’t notice the pressure they mount on the youths in this hard economy where there are no jobs or a business start,” he said.

Admire Mrekza Mupewa highlighted that Eze Mental Programme aims to combat depression with tangible actions, rather than just words.

“I realised am a recent graduate and when I come back home after four years there is a lot of pressure. I’ve never even bought bread for my family and you know parents expect something.”

“We are looking out to everyone who is going through a hard time, advising them not to stand alone but to come out. We are losing our brothers and sisters because of drugs and substance abuse not by choice but by trying to cope with the challenges,” he said.

Mupewa stated that Eze Mental will be inclusive, addressing diverse challenges faced by individuals, and promoting positive coping mechanisms to overcome them.

“So I started this project to make sure that we cater for everyone even older women and young girls. Our activity is going to be about breaking the stigma, we don’t want to talk much we want to use action such as awareness campaigns through soccer, aerobics, dance and volleyball,” he added.

He also revealed that the initiative will be pioneered by influencial figures in the community which include former players such as Thabani Tboi Moyo and Graham ‘Grazo’ Ncube, local comedians such as Nkosi King Mosha Mswati.

The strategic engagement of influential individuals is expected to encourage community participation and cooperation, promoting a healthy, drug-free society through the Eze Mental initiative.