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Johannesburg, South Africa – Mental health is increasingly taking center stage in Southern Africa, as governments and communities work to break the silence around psychological well-being and improve access to care. Recent initiatives in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe show promising progress, even as challenges remain.
South Africa: The South African government has launched the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign 2026, targeting youth and vulnerable populations. With rising rates of depression and anxiety among university students, the campaign focuses on promoting counselling services, online support platforms, and community engagement. Dr. Thandi Mbeki, a leading psychologist in Johannesburg, said, “We are seeing more young people seek help, which is a significant shift from previous decades where stigma kept many silent.”

