Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena and Trish Mukwazo
Zimpapers Reporters
BREAK the silence. That was the core message delivered to 130 male delegates at the “Men to Men Indaba” held yesterday at King’s Kraal in Bulawayo.
Speakers at the event underscored the urgent need for men to open up about their challenges and seek help before facing mental health crises, depression, or suicide. The gathering was a direct call to action, encouraging a culture of vulnerability and support among men.
Organised by Zimpapers, the country’s largest digitally integrated media group, the event ran under the theme “Man Up: Come, Let’s Talk Men to Men”, and covered a wide range of topics including retirement planning, financial literacy, marriage, family, and crucially, mental and physical health.
One of the keynote speakers, Dr Wellington Ranga, clinical director at Ingutsheni Central Hospital, warned that men in Zimbabwe are facing a mental health crisis, with many silently battling emotional and psychological struggles.
In a sobering revelation, Dr Ranga said that Ingutsheni currently has 600 patients admitted — 430 of whom are men.
“As a man, if you’re facing problems and need help, it’s always wise to speak up. Talk to a friend, brother, family member or colleague before things spiral out of control. Once you’re admitted to Ingutsheni, it means the situation has become serious. In most cases we handle, the crisis could have been avoided early on simply by opening up,” said Dr Ranga.
He noted that one of the main reasons men suffer in silence is the societal expectation that they must always appear strong and unaffected.
“Many men take care of their hearts and other body parts but ignore the health of their brains. There’s a stigma around men talking about their emotions because they believe they must appear strong. Bottling up problems can lead to serious consequences.
“Some end up taking their own lives because of accumulated emotional burdens. A lot of people hide their true feelings behind smiles, trying to impress friends or maintain appearances, while privately dealing with despair. This pressure has driven many young men to suicide,” he said.
Social commentator Fredrick Mabhikwa urged men to live within their means and resist societal pressures.
“Instead of sending your children to expensive private schools, consider local schools that are affordable. Build a house for them so that even when you die, you leave behind something of value.
“Budgeting is critical for a man, especially when people depend on you. As a provider, you must also prioritise your own wellbeing. If you’re on medical aid, use it to go for check-ups and stay informed about your health,” he said.
Mabhikwa also emphasised the importance of spirituality, saying faith plays a vital role in shaping a man’s character and guiding him through life’s challenges.
He encouraged young men to get involved in church, where men’s fellowship offers a platform for support and growth.
Young men at the Indaba also received valuable guidance on preparing for life after retirement. In his presentation, Philile Gumbo from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) stressed the importance of early financial planning.
“As a young man, while you’re still working, it’s important to invest in other forms of income that will sustain you after retirement. After retirement, many men struggle to cope without an income and may die early due to stress.
“However, this can be avoided by laying a financial foundation early. As a leader of the family, you must build a home that will serve as your retirement base, preferably in a rural area, where life is more affordable. You can also farm and sell produce to sustain yourself,” he said.
Zimpapers Training Institute acting principal, Limukani Ncube, said the Indaba was not just a dialogue but a movement aimed at promoting men’s health, mental wellbeing, financial literacy, and positive masculinity.
“This discussion helps men prepare for life beyond work. As Zimpapers, we’ve created a safe space where men can openly share experiences and support one another without judgement. We were pleased to see young men attending the Indaba, embracing the platform to pause, reflect and engage deeply on issues that shape our lives, families, communities and futures,” he said.
Ncube hinted at plans to make the Indaba an annual event, noting that such platforms play a vital role in shaping the leaders of families, companies, and the nation at large.
