Anti-suicide campaign aims to build a better society and restore men's dignity

One of the difficult conversations often neglected is the mental health struggles many boys and men face, struggles that can sometimes lead to suicide. Every year, thousands of men take their own lives, leaving families and loved ones wondering what could have gone wrong, especially given that men often choose to fight their battles in silence. 

Anti-suicide activist Nkululeko Khanyi, founder of Ungazibulali Awareness Campaign, is hoping to challenge that silence and break the stigma around mental health, especially among men.

Speaking to Time Out Johannesburg, Khanyi said many men are still raised with the belief that they are not allowed to cry or express emotion, and that pressure often leaves them suffering in silence.

With his latest nationwide campaign, starting in Johannesburg, titled Ungazibulali Ndoda - loosely translated as “Don’t kill yourself, man” - Khany hopes to bring men together from all walks of life for honest conversations around mental health.

He says the goal is to create a space where men can feel seen, supported and reminded that they are not alone in whatever challenges they may be facing.

Khanyi, who is also a suicide survivor, says he has been running the Ungazibulali Awareness Campaign for the past 14 years, and the biggest reward has been seeing lives changed.

“I was saved from committing suicide. I am the beacon of hope, and I want to save the next person. Against all odds and challenges you come across in life, don't give up. Suicide is not an option, you can rise," says Khanyi. 

"Over the past 14 years, I’ve had thousands of success stories. Some of the men we’ve helped are now in the medical field, some are in business, and many have gone on to become responsible fathers and active members of society,” he said.

“That is what keeps me going every single day. Even through the challenges of running this organisation, it’s those thousands of success stories over the past decade and a half that keep pushing me forward.”

He says while this particular event is focused on men, the organisation is also planning future conversations aimed at women through a sisterhood-focused initiative in August. 

"It is important for men to have such events. Women always have gatherings, but men don't often come together to talk, cry and find solutions. We are dying silently. It is a time for us to gather and talk about all the burdens and issues that contribute to so many men committing suicide. We will be discussing the issues men don't often talk about. Men are dying every day; it is a pandemic," says Khanyi. 

Attendees can expect mental health talks from professionals and public officials, as well as live entertainment from artists across different genres, including Maskandi, Amapiano and gospel.

The event will take place in Midrand on 25 July, and some of the issues expected to be addressed include suicide, depression, gender-based violence and other social challenges affecting communities.

Why does this matter in Johannesburg?

The city is home to millions of people navigating the pressures of daily life, and many continue to battle depression, anxiety and emotional strain, often silently.

With social media pressure, financial stress, and personal struggles affecting many households, initiatives like Ungazibulali Ndoda are creating much-needed spaces for open conversations and healing.

For many men in Johannesburg and beyond, it may be the reminder they need that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and that they do not have to carry their burdens alone.

Event Details: 

Date: 25 July
Address: 59 Richards Drive, Midrand
Tickets: R350 
Time: From 12:00, the after party starts at 18:00 
Dress Code: Blue Jeans