By Sikhulile Dlamini
SITEKI – The Siteki Town Council (STC) organized a Lubombo Mental Health Awareness Day for workers in the region on Friday, (May 31 2024).
The event aimed to remind workers of the importance of maintaining their health and to educate them on various ways to prevent mental illness. Several speakers addressed the audience including health workers such as mental health coach Sakhile Dlamini. He emphasised that the COVID-19 era has significantly contributed to increased mental health issues.
“People lost their loved ones and faced job insecurities leading to a significant rise in anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse. This has left many vulnerable to developing mental health conditions in our communities,” Dlamini stated.
Under Secretary of the region and Chairperson of Wellness Department, Zwakele Dlamini, noted low income levels are among the causes of depression that the Government should take note of. He also noted other issues which included abuse which could impact on work performance.
Dlamini also said the wellness department was working on a wellness policy to be launched the next financial year, as this would also help in the wellness of the workers.
The event was graced by the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, his Principal Secretary (PS) Nonhlanhla Dlamini and the Member of Parliament (MP) of Lugongolweni, Joseph Souza.
Principal Secretary of the Ministry for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Nonhlanhla Dlamini stressed on the importance of budgeting and managing finances.
“Live within your means, plan your life and avoid debts as that will lead to poor performance because of depression.
Minister Sikhumbuzo, who was the last speaker to address the audience, concluded by emphasising that discussions like these are important in building understanding of the fact that mental health issues affect people from all aspects of life, men and women from all socio economic background.
