Love Your Mind (LYM) will host its inaugural public dialogue, When Africa Opens Up, on Friday, August 29, at the American Corner Library in Manzini. The free-entry afternoon event, running from 12pm to 3:30pm, will tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges by exploring the link between mental health and the social patterns shaping communities today and in the future.
Organisers say the discussion will delve into how mental illness influences crime rates and perpetuates harmful generational habits, impacting the way society evolves. By confronting these issues head-on, the event aims to promote aware¬ness, spark open conversations and inspire solutions grounded in mental health advocacy.
The programme will feature an impressive line-up of speakers who bring first-hand expertise and deep insight into mental health. LYM Founder and Psychologist Siseke¬lo Nkosi will lead the discourse, joined by The Nation Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Bheki Makhubu, whose critical commentary on so¬cietal issues has shaped national debate for decades and Nelisiwe Nxumalo, a respected counsellor and lecturer at IRDM. All three speakers are expected to offer perspectives rooted in on-the-ground realities of mental health and its ripple effects on community well-being.
The event will be facilitated by me¬dia personality Simangaliso Gama, ensuring an engaging and interactive atmosphere. Adding an artistic element to the afternoon will be guest artist Simiso Simelane, whose performance is expected to com¬plement the event’s reflective and thought-provoking tone.
Speaking ahead of the gathering, Nkosi noted that the purpose of ‘When Africa Opens Up’ is not only to highlight problems, but to also explore how Africa can reimagine its social landscape when mental health becomes a central focus in policy making, community engagement and family life. “Mental illness is often the silent architect of crime and social dysfunction,” he said, adding that confronting these realities is essential for meaningful progress.
With free access for the public, organisers hope to attract a diverse audience, from students and professionals to community leaders and mental health advocates. The event promises to be an afternoon of honest dialogue, intellectual exchange and cultural expression, a rare opportunity for Manzini to host a multi-di¬mensional conversation on how the continent’s future can be reshaped by prioritising mental well-being. For more information, attendees can contact the organisers at +268 7866 5619 or +268 7927 4511.
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