Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
In Zimbabwe, cultural stigma continues to cast a long shadow over conversations about men’s health. Too often, men feel pressured to stay silent about mental and physical struggles, an unspoken code that can have devastating consequences.
Traditionally, men are expected to be strong, composed and self-reliant. Yet behind the mask, many wrestle with stress, depression, grief and emotional exhaustion. Fear, pride and taboo still block men from seeking help, a barrier that must be broken.
To understand why men avoid these discussions, we must listen to their stories. On the streets of Bulawayo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub spoke to men from all walks of life. A taxi driver and father of two, Thabani Nkomo, shared how he battled anxiety after losing his retail job.
“I thought I could handle it alone. Talking about my feelings felt weak. I didn’t want to burden anyone,” Nkomo said.
Things began to improve when his brother-in-law offered him work as a conductor on his commuter bus.
“He took me by both hands and helped me through my struggles. He even helped me financially to get my driver’s licence. Opening up saved me and my marriage. Today, I provide for my family as a kombi driver.”
Nkomo’s story shows how support and openness can heal, but for others, silence has nearly cost their lives. Takudzwa Munemo lost his wife six years ago and said burying his grief led to severe depression.
“I kept my pain to myself because men are raised to hide their emotions. Talking about her death felt like defeat,” he said.
“But suffering in silence almost destroyed me. I even contemplated suicide as an escape.”
Stories like these are common in a society where male vulnerability remains taboo. Cultural expectations teach men to bottle up trauma, sometimes with fatal results. Suicide among men continues to rise at alarming rates.
Lupane State University student Nkosiyapha Khumalo, says mental health challenges among male students are increasing, with some tragically resorting to suicide.
“Depression is very real and affects many of us. We need to find root causes, whether it’s school pressure or something else and develop solutions,” he said.
Khumalo also called for counselling to be a core part of university education, to promote emotional well-being.
Seasoned journalist and founder of The Men’s Conference Podcast, Makhosi Sibanda, feels that changing the conversation requires sustained effort.
“We must teach men to prioritise their health. Open discussions must happen at home, work and in communities.
Imagine if talking about health became as normal as football or politics,” Sibanda said.
“It’s about safe spaces for men to express vulnerability. By opening up, men help themselves and inspire others.”
Sibanda insists this change must start young.
“We need to teach boys that talking about health isn’t weakness, it’s responsibility and care for self and family.
Education is key to breaking toxic norms.”
Podcasts like his have become vital platforms, tackling topics from depression and suicide to fatherhood, financial stress and sexual health.
But breaking the silence is not a solo effort. It takes collective action. To amplify the conversation, Zimpapers will host a “Men to Men” Indaba on Friday at King’s Kraal, Zonkizizwe Shopping Centre, Bradfield, Bulawayo, from 11am to 4pm.
Under the theme “Man up, come let’s talk men to men”, the event will feature panel discussions on retirement planning, finance, marriage, family and crucially, physical and mental health. Participation requires a small US$30 fee, a worthwhile investment toward healing, empowerment and building healthier communities.
This is more than an event. It is a movement, a call to action and a new chapter for Zimbabwean men. Because real strength is not in silence, but in speaking up.
