South Africa: From Violence to Mentorship - How Indoda Wednesday Give Men a Safe Space to Talk

What the report says

In Johannesburg, the Indoda Wednesday programme is creating a regular space for men and boys to discuss violence, mental health, substance use and other personal challenges, according to Health-e’s report republished by AllAfrica. The initiative was adopted by the City of Johannesburg Health District in April last year and has reached more than 1,000 men in Region G alone.

The story highlights Elias Jim, a 67-year-old from Lawley, as one example of how the programme connects life experience with mentorship. Jim spent 24 years in prison after a 1992 arrest for gang-related violence, and said anger and abuse had shaped much of his earlier life. He told the outlet that prison-based counselling, anger management and other rehabilitation programmes helped him change, and that he later continued mentoring other men after his release in 2016.

Another participant, Orange Farm resident Lerato Magongwa, said the gatherings helped him recover after losing his job and relationship, then experiencing kidnapping, depression, suicidal thoughts and a stroke. He now helps facilitate a separate men’s programme. The City says sessions are held in community halls, churches and other public settings, and may also connect attendees to HIV testing, TB screening, prostate cancer services, counselling and referrals for mental health or substance-use care.

The article says Gauteng health officials have welcomed the effort, which comes during Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa.