MENTAL health group A Pome Mental Illness Advocacy has moved its five-kilometre walk from November 2 to November 30.
Zoleka Dlamini of the advocacy said the organisation decided to change the date because they need to play a part in the nearing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
“The reason for the postponement is that A Pome realised the crisis our country is in.
“There is a crisis of women and children abuse, and an increase in the abduction and murder of women and children.
“Also there is the epidemic around schools and universities where students are now becoming increasingly violent,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini said that the organisation has decided to join its campaign of #Breaking The Stigma Around Mental Illness with 16 Days Of Activism Against Women And Children.
“Having such a conjunction with our walk will mean that there is a greater impact and involvement with the public.
“We as A Pome do express our sincere apology once again for any inconvenience caused by the postponement,” said Dlamini.
A Pome was founded by Ayanda Mavundla who was diagnosed with depression in 2017, and with her experience of being hospitalised, and her family not fully understanding what depression is, she realised there is a great need in society to educate and enlighten people especially in the black community about mental health.
The initiative is led by Mavundla and her executive members Nonhlahla Ndlovu and Zoleka Dlamini.
“The main objective is to raise awareness and erase the stigmas around mental illness, offer moral support to people living with depressive disorders, play a role in the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children campaign while having fun,” said Dlamini.
She also asked that those who have registered for the race collect their package no later than November 25.
Registration is still open.
The walk will now take place on November 30. The five-kilometre walk will start at the Townhill Psychiatric Hospital, go via Chief Albert Luthuli Road to the city hall, down Church Street to Boshoff Street and back to the Townhill Psychiatric Hospital,” said Dlamini.
