malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
ZIMBABWE Broadcasting Corporation news anchor and mental health advocate Vickie Maponga plans to set up a support centre for young people facing mental health challenges.
Maponga, who is set to host a virtual discussion on mental health problems with top South African actress Sophie Ndaba tomorrow, said more should be done to raise awareness on mental health issues.
“I am so passionate about mental health issues and I am in the process of opening a centre for learners in primary and secondary schools and those in universities to help them face mental health issues with hope.
“Many kids, even at primary school level, are killing themselves, getting involved with illicit drugs mostly because of mental health challenges,” she said.
Maponga said her discussion with Ndaba, which is dubbed “Mental health is real, let’s talk about it”, will be a platform for learning skills to cope with mental health challenges.
“Sophie Ndaba, who is a celebrity and renowned SA actress, is one person who has openly spoken about her mental health conditions, fought them and still remained at the top. I just thought, with her story come experiences and lessons which will benefit all age groups and people from different spheres,” she said.
Popularly known as Queen Moroka, a moniker she adopted from the character she played in the long-running South African television drama series, “Generations”, Ndaba will share her experiences with mental health problems.
“She is a chief executive officer of her own company, an entrepreneur, and she has children who were also affected by the challenges she faced. So, she has lessons which will inspire and change someone,” said Maponga.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter