South Africa is facing growing mental health challenges across multiple sectors. Organizations like the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) and its partner PPO Serve are advancing accessible, scalable mental health solutions to address these pressing needs. Through community-based models, workforce expansion, and strategic partnerships, these efforts are creating meaningful pathways for mental health support.
Expanding Mental Health Support for Educators and Learner Support Agents
Recognizing the impact of mental health challenges on educators and learner support agents (LSAs), the Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted the Mental Health Literacy Stakeholder Meeting in April 2025. At this gathering, FPD contributed insights from its Improving Mental Health and HIV/TB Service Integration (IMHSI) program, of which Masiviwe is a part. The discussion highlighted the need for early mental health intervention, stigma reduction, and better referral systems for school staff and learners.
One of the key takeaways was the need for scalable training programs. FPD’s approach—integrating interpersonal counselling (IPC), psychoeducation, and mental health screening—offers valuable strategies for embedding mental health support into schools. Additionally, the organization’s digital and blended learning platforms could serve as effective tools for equipping educators with essential mental health skills.
Strengthening Youth Mental Health: Addressing Barriers and Expanding Access
Youth mental health remains a critical issue, with up to 80% of young people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. FPD’s IMHSI program is actively working to close gaps in mental health care through targeted IPC interventions. These efforts focus on combining healthcare workforce expansion with employment opportunities for young school-leavers.
In partnership with Jobs Boost and Columbia University, FPD recently launched an expanded training initiative for IPC counsellors. By integrating mental health services into primary healthcare facilities in underserved provinces, this program supports both individual well-being and broader public health goals. The model not only provides essential counselling but also aligns with HIV pandemic control strategies—underscoring how mental health support can contribute to overall stability and economic productivity.
Supporting Healthcare Workers: PPO Serve’s Integrated Mental Health Initiatives
Mental health concerns among healthcare workers have also gained attention, particularly within South Africa’s public healthcare sector. PPO Serve, in collaboration with FPD, is addressing this challenge by incorporating Registered Counsellors into wellness programs designed for government employees.
A recent wellness drive at RK Khan Hospital demonstrated the value of structured mental health screenings and professional support services. During the event, 30 healthcare workers underwent screenings, with several requiring further counselling. The integration of mental health professionals within wellness initiatives ensures that healthcare workers receive timely interventions—helping to improve resilience and overall workplace well-being.
Using Community Radio to Break Mental Health Stigma
One of the most impactful mental health awareness initiatives in 2025 has been a “reality radio” series that reached nearly one million South Africans through eleven community radio stations. The 9-week campaign used storytelling and radio drama to normalize conversations around mental health and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Each episode recreated real-life calls made to a mental health helpline, allowing listeners to experience what it feels like to reach out for support. To ensure accessibility and cultural relevance, the series was produced in five South African languages, reinforcing the message that mental health services are available—and should be accessed—in one’s home language.
Broadcast topics covered a wide range of pressing mental health issues, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- The link between HIV and mental health
- Bullying
- Suicide prevention
By tapping into trusted community media platforms, Masiviwe has helped normalize conversations around mental health and empowered listeners across diverse communities to take the first step toward getting help.
Central themes emerging from these initiatives include:
- Embedding mental health literacy into professional training programs
- Expanding workforce solutions to address gaps in mental health services
- Strengthening referral systems for timely access to support
- Reducing stigma through psychoeducation and awareness campaigns
- Leveraging media platforms to drive large-scale behavioural change
This article was produced with the assistance of Co-Pilot.