BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- The Youth Forever Charity Club is set to make a bold and transformative impact this November with its first-ever Mental Health Awareness event titled “Men Unscripted.”
Scheduled for 21 November 2025 at the American Corner, Manzini Library, the event arrives at a crucial time as conversations surrounding men’s mental health continue gaining momentum across the globe. With November recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the initiative aims to challenge longstanding stigmas, open meaningful discussions, and equip young people with tools to better understand and support the mental wellbeing of men.
According to Angel Zubuko, who is part of the organising team, the vision for the event was inspired by the need to create inclusive platforms that reflect the emotional realities men face daily.
“Since it is Men’s Mental Health Month, we thought it would be a great idea to show inclusivity by not turning a blind eye to men’s mental health. The main aim of the event is to educate both young men and women about the mental dimension of a man—how to help men talk about issues affecting their wellbeing rather than bottling them up,” she explained. Angel added that such conversations are essential in reducing cases of suicide and gender-based violence, which are often linked to emotional suppression among men.
“Men Unscripted” will explore four central themes that shape modern men’s mental health. These include breaking the stigma surrounding men seeking help, understanding how diverse experiences such as culture, age, and identity influence mental health, learning about resources and support available to men in distress, and unpacking the concept of healthy masculinity, which encourages vulnerability and emotional openness rather than silence.
The event will unfold in two engaging segments. The first portion is a workshop session, offering a short but insightful presentation on the historical evolution of men’s mental health—from traditional expectations that discouraged emotional expression to contemporary approaches that embrace holistic wellbeing. Attendees will gain an understanding of how societal norms have shaped men’s behavior over the decades and how shifting these norms can contribute to better mental wellness.
The second portion will be a panel discussion, featuring three distinguished guest speakers and moderated by Bianca Stewart. Stewart, an entrepreneur and dynamic public speaker, is widely known for her passion for youth empowerment, her authenticity, and her ability to spark meaningful conversations. Her leadership will help guide the room through sensitive yet vital discussions.
The panel will include Mduduzi Mbingo, a seasoned psychological counselor with a strong background in community mental health and psychosocial support. He brings valuable insight into the emotional pressures men face within their families, workplaces, and social circles.
Also on the panel is Pamela Simelane, a dedicated psychology professional with extensive experience in counseling, mental health advocacy, psychotherapy, and wellness coaching. Pamela currently serves as a Regional Psychologist under the Ministry of Health, where she plays a key role in integrating mental health into public health programmes. Her work in youth empowerment and wellness makes her a powerful voice in the conversation.
The final speaker, Siphiwo Lushaba, an award-winning entrepreneur, brings a lived perspective on managing stress, expectations, and emotional wellbeing as a man navigating professional spaces. His voice adds depth to the conversation by highlighting the psychological challenges men often face but rarely discuss.
According to Zubuko, the event is open to everyone, with a particular focus on engaging the youth.
“This event is about educating both genders on how men think, how they express their feelings, and how we as a society can help them do so safely and freely,” she noted. “We want people to understand how to identify when a man is struggling internally and how best to support him.”
With free admission but limited space, the event is expected to draw young people, mental health advocates, and community members eager to learn and participate in meaningful dialogue. The Youth Forever Charity Club hopes that “Men Unscripted” will not be a one-time event, but the beginning of a broader movement encouraging healthier emotional expression among men.
As Eswatini continues to prioritize mental wellness, this event stands as an important milestone—one that pushes the nation closer to a future where men can speak openly, seek help without shame, and thrive emotionally.
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(Courtesy Pic)
