The spike in male suicides and their deteriorating mental health continues to be a concern for the City’s Corporate and Human Capital Unit. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba attended the event where he urged men to seek help if they were in trouble mentally.

THE societal standard that “real men do not cry or show emotion” compelled the City’s Corporate and Human Capital Unit to host an awareness day on men’s mental health and wellbeing. Hosted at the Durban Exhibition Centre, the seminar presented a platform for men to discuss their personal issues. South Africa is reported to be 10th on the world’s listing of countries with an extremely high suicide rate, especially among men.  International figures suggest that in 2022 alone, 13 774 suicides were reported, with 10 861 of them being men.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba attended the mental health awareness event. He said the statistics are extremely alarming for the high suicide rate in men. “What we do today will undoubtedly have an impact on our future outcomes and generations. We must start making a difference today to ensure a bright future. We also need to raise more awareness on drug and substance abuse,” he said. “It takes a village to raise a child so we need to support children in communities by being a supporting male, father figure.” Corporate and Human Capital Head Sihle Mkhize said they will continue to strengthen relations with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure such programmes are a success. “We have heard your pleas for the programme to be hosted quarterly – working with the Mayor’s Office and the eThekwini Men’s Forum, these initiatives will be prioritised,” said Mkhize.