The Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nonceba Molwele, recently joined in the dialogue on mental health hosted by medical expert Dr Fundile Nyati.

Cllr Molwele announced during the dialogue that the City is forging partnership with local community radio stations, Jozi Fm, Alex Fm and Eldos Fm, who also live broadcasting the dialogue.

She said that although Covid-19 affects all segments of the population, it has really exposed the brutal inequalities of this country, with communities in the less privileged areas being most affected.

“At local government, the experience on the ground is that the most affected are the impoverished, the elderly, young people, women and entrepreneurs,” said Cllr Molwele.

Many small businesses have not survived the lockdown, young people who were unemployed before lockdown are slowly losing hope due to the economic impact of the lockdown.

“There are instances where our councillors have had to intervene in gender-based violence cases, which is South Africa’s second pandemic as described by our minister of police. Lots of women are in a continuous state of anxiety and fear.

“Furthermore, they are angry because they are tired of having to live in a state of fear for the virus, fear of losing jobs and loved ones. All that contribute to mental health illness of our communities,” said Cllr Molwele.

She added that there is fear of infection and lots of anxiety.  “With a mere sneeze or a cough and already one is worried about whether it is covid-19 or not. Even a common flu now evokes feelings of fear.

“We are all in it together, whether it is an under privileged community or a gated suburb. We are all mentally vulnerable at the moment and our population’s mental health has received little statistical attention locally.

“There is a need for government and healthcare bodies to strengthen partnerships as it relates to the advancement of the mental wellbeing of South Africans especially during the pandemic,” she said.

She encouraged the youth to get into the space so that the City has a greater pool of talent.