I will never forget the day my 16 year old niece had an anxiety attack at school. I had never in my life feared for her life as I did on that day. We had no idea what was happening to her and neither did the school. When we picked her up, we frantically rushed her to our local clinic. As our only source of primary health care we thought they could help with a diagnosis and treatment but they too had no idea what was happening to her. Even when we had figured out what was happening to my niece, the clinic could not help us as they do not house any mental health professionals. 

Our family’s story is not uncommon in Khayelitsha, one of South Africa's largest townships, where an estimated 31% of individuals over the age of 16 experience mental health issues. The township faces a multitude of challenges, including poverty, limited access to education, unemployment, inadequate healthcare services, and high levels of crime and violence. These factors significantly contribute to the prevalence of mental health problems among residents.

My name is Asisipho Mvana, A Nguvu Collective Change Leader who is passionate about my community, Khayelitsha. I am worried about the lack of mental health assistance in our primary health care sector, young people in my community are turning to alcohol, drugs and even suicide instead of getting the help they need. I urge you to join me in asking  the Western Cape MEC of Health, Dr Mbombo, to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare in townships like Khayelitsha. 

Khayelitsha, with a population of over 400,000 people, currently has only two clinics and one district hospital responsible for mental health services. This scarcity of facilities means that individuals often have to travel long distances to access care. Moreover, these facilities are frequently overstretched, leading to extended waiting times and limited capacity to assist everyone. The psychiatric ward receives a constant influx of patients, highlighting the urgent need for increased resources and support.

I urge for your support in requesting Minister Mbombo to allocate more resources and integrate mental health services into primary healthcare in townships like Khayelitsha. Your support will prevent young vulnerable individuals like my niece, and their families from experiencing the fate that we did. 

Together, we can ensure that mental health is made accessible for everyone in townships like Khayelitsha.