Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Writer
A trauma that nearly claimed the life of Dr Suku Moyo-Mackenzie has since become the catalyst for a mission transforming lives across the United Kingdom and Africa. The Bulawayo-born humanitarian and mental health advocate, now based in the UK, has emerged as a powerful voice for survivors of abuse, trauma, and stigma. Drawing from her own lived experience, she is dedicated to breaking the cycles of silence that continue to trap countless victims.
“I didn’t talk about it, and it nearly cost me my life. That is why I chose to be the voice of the voiceless,” said Dr Moyo-Mackenzie.
A survivor of abuse herself, Dr Moyo-Mackenzie lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Years of unaddressed trauma eventually led to a breakdown — a turning point that compelled her to confront her pain publicly and empower others to do the same.
Through her organisation, Let’s Talk About It, founded several years ago, Dr Moyo-Mackenzie has created a sanctuary for survivors of abuse and individuals navigating mental health challenges.
The initiative tackles deeply entrenched stigma by fostering open conversations around trauma, mental health, substance abuse, and identity issues — topics often buried under a veneer of fear, shame, and cultural silence.
Dr Moyo-Mackenzie’s advocacy extends far beyond awareness campaigns. She works directly with survivors, offering counselling, emotional support, and referrals, while collaborating with police, social services, councillors, and legislators.
Through virtual platforms and on-the-ground interventions, she responds to cases involving abused children, vulnerable youths, and families in crisis, with a particular focus on African communities.
Over the past 25 years, her humanitarian work has reached orphanages, schools, elderly care homes, juvenile centres, and prisons. She has spearheaded fundraising initiatives to provide food parcels, clothing, and essential supplies, while also addressing emotional neglect — an often overlooked yet devastating form of abuse.
One of her most impactful initiatives, “Not Forgetting the Boy Child,” challenges the long-held belief that boys and men must suppress their emotions.
“We tell boys ‘men don’t cry’ and then we wonder why we have men full of pain, anger and silence,” she said.
Through school visits, community dialogues, prison outreach programmes, and digital platforms, Dr Moyo-Mackenzie creates safe spaces for boys and men to openly discuss mental health, abuse, and identity. She noted that male suicide rates remain alarmingly high worldwide.
“Boys are also victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and substance dependency. These realities are often dismissed or mocked,” she said. “My work challenges these harmful narratives and reminds society that vulnerability is not weakness.”
Dr Moyo-Mackenzie’s advocacy also extends to the elderly, particularly those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, she organised a special event honouring citizens aged 80 and above, providing meals, gifts, entertainment, and companionship.
“When you see an elderly person wandering at night, it is not witchcraft but some form of illness. We need compassion, not cameras,” she said.
A regular contributor to UK media platforms, including Channel 4 and Heart Radio, Dr Moyo-Mackenzie is a sought-after speaker at conferences, schools, churches, and parliamentary events.
Her work has earned international acclaim, including the Beautiful Survivor Award, presented at the House of Commons by MP Bob Blackman, as well as titles such as World Super Hero and Mental Health Ambassador. She has also received commendations from a US Congressman and the Vietnamese community.
In 2022, she was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism by the Global International Alliance USA, recognising her lifelong commitment to service. Despite the global accolades, Dr Moyo-Mackenzie remains grounded in the belief that real change begins with the simple act of listening.
“Sometimes people don’t need answers. They need someone to listen. My favourite quote — ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, she unknowingly stands up for others’ reflects my mission.”
