Local mental health activist and pastor Thami Binda says men across Free State communities continue to battle in silence, weighed down by emotional strain, social pressure, and a lack of safe spaces to open up.
He says deeply rooted cultural expectations still discourage men from showing vulnerability or seeking help. “This period is critical in challenging long-standing stigmas around male vulnerability, because men have been socialised not to speak, to be tough even when they don’t have to be.
They are mocked when they show their vulnerability, and this causes them to cave in and choose silence instead.” Binda says the impact is visible in everyday life, where many men suppress trauma, stress, and emotional pain until it becomes overwhelming.
He believes community-based support systems could play a major role in changing this pattern, starting with small trusted circles.
“We encourage men to form small groups of accountability partners. These groups do not have to be big – even two individuals can be vulnerable with each other, support one another, and hold each other accountable.” He added that consistent engagement is key to long-term healing.
“Of course this must be a learned behaviour, and we are willing to walk this path with men, young and old. Once a year we will meet as men, both young and old, and check on each other’s progress, see where we can intervene, give new insights, and encourage accountability.”
His remarks come as the minister in the presidency for women, youth and persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga warned that men’s mental health is a growing national concern. She described it as a “silent national emergency”, calling for urgent interventions across society.
June is widely recognised as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed at breaking stigma and encouraging men to seek help.
The minister emphasised that addressing men’s mental health must also help foster safer families and communities rooted in dignity, equality, accountability, and non violence.
“A society that ignores the emotional well-being of men risks deepening cycles of pain, violence, and hopelessness. Healing our nation calls for caring for the mental well-being of everyone – women, men, youth, and persons with disabilities alike.”
Gypseenia Lion
