Mental Health Awareness Dialogue

Creating Mental Health Community Awareness Together

“Mental Health is a sickness just like diabetes, heart problems, eye problems, we all need help.” – Bettie Jordan

One third of the South African population suffers from some form of mental illness according to research reports by SADAG (South African Anxiety and Depression Group). These statistics raise a huge concern, it seems that we all need to explore ways in which we can address Mental Health Challenges particularly in our country. Stimulating a Mental Health Awareness dialogue will begin the conversation that creates awareness and encourages support. This engagement will also clarify what mental illness is, what it’s not and how it can be managed.

This is an opportunity for sharing experiences and ideas for solutions as well as inspiring courage and hope. The dialogue aims to explore various support mechanisms for people affected directly and indirectly by mental health. We hope to sustain consistent engagements towards the World Mental Health Day on the 10th October and beyond.

The dialogue will be hosted by a group of Women who have been directly or indirectly affected.

Keynote Speaker is Dr Dorothy Sekhukhune Doctoral Curationis (Psychiatric Nursing) (Psych. N) (UJ); MSc. (Psych. N.) (Wits), fellow of the Graduate School of Arts and Science at Harvard University [USA]: B.A. (Cur). (UNISA); Advanced Health Services Management Certificate (PTA); Leadership Development Programme (WBS); R/N; R/M; R/Psych. (SA).

Mr Mthetho Tshemese, a Clinical Psychologist, he holds a BA degree with Political Studies and Psychology as majors, a Psychology Honours, and a MPsych degree from the University of Western Cape.

Ms Faith Ndamse, a Pharmacist; she holds a B.Pharm from the University of the Western Cape. She is also a Former Mrs South Africa 2014 finalist.

There will also be testimonies from those who have been affected by mental illnesses.

Your presence will be honoured. The engagement will be taking place at the Kyalami Country Club, Maple road, Midrand on the 8th June 2016 from 08:30 am to 12 pm.

Dr Dorothy Sekhukhune (Keynote speaker)
Dorothy is an experienced graduate with Doctoral Curationis (Psych. N) (UJ); MSc. (Psych. N.) (Wits); Fellow of the Graduate School of Arts and Science at Harvard University [USA]: B.A. (Cur). (UNISA); Advanced Health Services Management Certificate (PTA); Leadership Development Programme (WBS); R/N; R/M; R/Psych. (SA). Dorothy is registered with South African Nursing Council as an advanced psychiatric nurse specialist/consultant. She is a practicing psychotherapist, counselling and family therapist and hold a certificate in Business and Life Coaching. Dorothy gained a vast expertise of over 35 years in mental health care through her involvement in private, public and international mental health care services.

Mr Mthetho Tshemese
Mthetho Christopher Tshemese, is a 38 year old Clinical Psychologist, registered for independent practice, with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, for 11 years. Academically, he holds a BA degree with Political Studies and Psychology as majors, a Psychology Honours, and a MPsych degree, all from the University of the Western Cape. He is a Co-Convener (Trauma and Violence Interest Group) for the Psychological Society of South Africa.

Mrs Molly Mageza
Molly Mageza has extensive experience in the field of Human Resources Management, with focus on Human Resource Development, HR Policy and Planning, and Organisational Design. As a practitioner in Human Resources she worked in both the corporate and public sectors, and her experience spans over various industries such as Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail and Gaming.

Mrs Happy (maKhumalo) Ngidi
Happy maKhumalo Ngidi is a South African businesswoman, social entrepreneur and author of a book titled Me, My Mother & Alzheimer’s to be launched later this year in honour of her Mother who succumbed to Alzehmeirs in November 2013. She is a Marketing, PR & Communications Graduate who has over ten years of national and international corporate experience. Mrs Ngidi’s story is that of an amazing journey of self-discovery, trials & tribulations, personal & business growth, hard work, resilience & tenacity. Her most significant and only intention & objective is to share her story with as many people as possible and hopefully make a significant difference in people’s lives.

Ms Faith Gwedashe (Program Director)
Faith Xoliswa Ndamse is a South African radio presenter who is host the first community based health talk show on Alex FM (89.1).She is a pharmacist, a host, MC, and business woman. In 2014, Faith was one of the top 10 finalists in the Mrs South Africa, a competition she entered to create awareness about health issues that affect the South African population. She is passionate about behavioural communication and its application in the South African health context.

“Mental Health matters. People matter. YOU matter. I can’t fight my battle alone, and you don’t have to either. Reach out!” – Anonymous

Time to heal. Time to ACT. Time to make a difference wherever you are