The mental health crisis facing men in South Africa is a growing concern, with statistics showing that men are four to five times more likely to die by suicide than women. This alarming trend is just the tip of the iceberg, as issues like crime, gender-based violence, and substance abuse also highlight deep emotional trauma in many men.
Jaco van Schalkwyk, the founder of The Character Company (TCC), a non-profit organization focused on supporting boys growing up without fathers, emphasizes the urgent need to address this problem. He points out that the lack of emotional support for boys and men is evident in high rates of crime, violence, gender-based violence, and substance abuse across South African communities.
The impact of fatherlessness on men’s well-being is significant, as millions of boys grow up without steady male role models. This leaves them vulnerable to emotional and social difficulties that can carry into adulthood. Many may turn to self-destructive behaviors or seek validation in risky environments, leading to aggression or violence.
In many South African cultures, boys are still expected to suppress emotions, perpetuating outdated ideas of masculinity that hinder emotional expression and vulnerability. This cycle of mental health struggles often continues into the next generation without intervention.
TCC’s programs offer mentoring schemes for young boys that focus on values of respect, honesty, empathy, and emotional resilience. These programs provide a safe space for boys to openly discuss their challenges without fear of judgment. Van Schalkwyk believes that increasing these safe spaces for boys and men to confront their emotions is crucial in addressing the country’s mental health crisis and reducing rates of gender-based violence and substance abuse.
Creating these safe spaces is a challenge that extends to families, schools, communities, and workplaces. Boys and men deserve the opportunity to explore and express their emotions in healthy ways, breaking free from the harmful stereotypes that have long constrained them. By providing support and guidance, organizations like TCC are working to change the narrative around male mental health in South Africa.
