LOCAL STARS UNITE TO END THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL ILLNESS

Following the tragic passing of Anele ’Nellie’ Tembe, local celebs took social media to reveal their struggle with mental health issues, writes KEDIBONE MODISE

SOUTH Africa is still reeling after the tragic death of Anele “Nelli” Tembe, 22, who fell from the 10th floor of the Pepper Club Hotel in Cape Town, on April 11.

Tembe burst into the spotlight shortly after she started dating hip hop artist and businessman Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.

The couple announced their engagement a few weeks ago, with AKA hinting on social media he had paid lobola for the love of his life.

Since her passing, there’s been speculation that Tembe was suffering from mental health-related illness, which may have led her to her death.

The family had been quiet about the cause until the memorial service on April 16. Her father cleared the suicide claims, but alluded to the possibility of substance abuse.

“As Anele’s father, I hereby state categorically that Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide.

“We need to understand the forces that put us in a situation that we find ourselves. Of course we must as a matter of extreme priority deal with the scourge that bedevils our youth, alcohol and drugs.”

While there are other speculation of depression, which the family had not yet confirmed, meanwhile Tembe’s passing has brought up the need for conversation around mental illness.

As such, many South Africans, including local celebs, opened up about their struggles with anxiety and depression, in an effort to destigmatise mental health issues.

Napo Masheane, Lalla Hirayama, Simphiwe Dana, Aaron Moloisi and Melanie Bala spoke up about their own mental health challenges, also raising awareness to the many South Africans who may be suffering in silence.

“My name is Napo Masheane … I come from a family with a long history of suicides … including my dad. Grew up willing myself through therapy to deal with my own deep dark depression/s and thoughts. Writing and my Craft are my constant saviour. Destigmatise!,” revealed theatre practitioner wrote.

“My name is Lalla Hirayama. I struggle with panic & anxiety disorder, depression and have gone through 3suicidal phases in my life. I have worked with my psychologist for 8 years & a psychiatrist. I’m currently on medication to help. Let’s destigmatise,” Hirayama posted.

“I am Simphiwe Dana and I suffer from depression and anxiety. I don’t take meds for depression as I fear it will affect my creativity. I do take stressam for the anxiety,” the award-winning singer wrote.

“I am Melanie Bala and I've suffered from depression and post-natal depression. I take medication for my anxiety when it flares up. Let's destigmatise,” the radio and television presenter encouraged.

“I’m Aaron Moloisi and I suffered mild depression. Thanks to my spiritual mentor for helping me realise that over thinking things can lead to severe depression.

“Depression affects men too,” the actor and television host added.

Other celebs who have previously opened up about their struggle with mental health-related issues include Trevor Noah, Unathi Nkayi, Bonnie Mbuli, Penny Lebyane and K Naomi.

Reigning Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, recently announced her partnership with Discovery Health to raise R20 000 for SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADG).

“This is to promote mental wellness and further the cause of mental health,” said Musida.

She added: “Covid-19 has taught us to take mental health seriously. A lot of people are suffering, people have lost loved ones, job and as of late we’ve been seeing a lot of RIPs...we are mourning as a nation and I think it’stime for us to be cognisant of our mental health.”

Musida announced that she would be focusing on raising awareness around mental health when she has crowned the Miss SA in October last year.

Musida recently launched an online mental health initiative, #MindfulMondays, where she engages with speak to various experts about matters related to mental health.