BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE — Behind the laughter, the strength and the smiles, many women carry battles that are rarely spoken about. This October, eGumeni aims to open the door for those conversations, bringing women together for a day of healing, reflection, empowerment and connection.
The inaugural eGumeni, themed “Mental Health’s Summon to All the Ladies of the Land!”, is set to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Happy Valley Hotel from 09:30 to 16:00.
Organised by the Gogo Eswatini & S’lwane Care Foundation, the gathering will use interactive panel discussions, presentations, talks, collective healing and comedy to create an environment where women can openly engage on issues affecting their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Leading the mental health conversation will be South African counselling psychologist and public mental health educator Dr Nkululeko Benedict Mhlongo, popularly known as Dr Better.
Dr Better is a counselling psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), television personality, lecturer, doctoral candidate and mental health advocate. He is also known for making conversations around mental health more accessible to the public through his work in television, radio and public education.
He became widely known as the host of SABC1 reality show Roxic, which premiered in 2022. The programme saw him work with families and couples dealing with difficult or unhealthy relationships, further placing him at the centre of conversations around relationships, emotional wellbeing and healing.
S’lwane said the event was created to ensure that women are also given meaningful platforms to engage on issues affecting their lives.
“As we support the men, the ladies must also have something impactful and life-changing,” he said.
The programme will tackle a broad range of issues, including depression, trauma recovery, addiction, workplace mental health, family dynamics and emotional healing.
The organisers said the discussions are intended to give women an opportunity to learn, share experiences and explore practical ways of dealing with personal and social challenges.
S’lwane further said eGumeni’s vision extends beyond a one-day gathering, with the organisers hoping to encourage communities to create spaces where people can speak openly about their experiences without being left behind.
“Our vision is to create safe spaces where no one is left behind,” he said.
Joining Dr Better on the programme will be a diverse line-up of speakers and mental health, wellness, leadership and empowerment voices.
Among them are Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya, Pastor Ntsiki Malaza, Lungile Dlamini-Leokao-ke, Lwandle Simelane, Senele Mdluli, Sesenele Sukati, Vuyo Khumalo, Zindzi Thwala, Nceda Myeni, Temvelo Mtsetfwa, Andile Shakwana and Enhle Mazibuko.
Minister Maziya is billed as one of the keynote voices, bringing her experience as a Cabinet minister, global chair and advocate for women’s empowerment.
The event will be moderated by Lindokuhle Mthupha and Bello Nkhosi, who will serve as programme directors.
While mental health remains at the heart of eGumeni, entertainment will also play an important role. Comedy duo Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane are expected to use humour to create a relaxed atmosphere while balancing the seriousness of the conversations.
The organisers are inviting women from across the country to attend what promises to be a day combining awareness, learning, entertainment, healing and connection.
Tickets cost E250 and are available exclusively through SmartTicket. Attendees have also been encouraged to follow the event’s simple dress code: “Come As You Are.”
Affordable meals and drinks will be available at the venue.
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(Courtesy Pic)
