Lasizwe, Phelo Bala, Gigi LaMayne, Nozuko Ntshangase and Trevor Noah among celebs speaking openly about mental health
Katlego Sekhu
Since 2013, October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa. The aim is not only to educate the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people living with mental illness often face.
South African celebrities have also played a role in normalising these conversations by sharing their personal struggles and showing the importance of prioritising one’s mental health.
Phelo Bala, Lasizwe, Nozuko Ntshangase, Gigi LaMayne, and Trevor Noah are among those who have spoken openly about their experiences.
Phelo Bala
Phelo Bala has been candid about his struggle with depression, which he was diagnosed with as a teenager.
He has shared his journey with substance abuse, often opening up on his family reality show The Bala Family.
In recent years, he has made a deliberate effort to prioritise his well-being, including embarking on a 30-day journey of self-discovery and healing.
Lasizwe Dambuza
YouTuber Lasizwe Dambuza has been a vocal advocate for mental health. In December 2024, he checked himself into a mental health facility to rest and recover.
This was not the first time he sought professional help, as he also admitted himself into a facility in 2021 while struggling with depression.
Nozuko Ntshangase
Actress Nozuko Ntshangase has openly spoken about her mental health challenges, including her battles with depression and several suicide attempts during her teenage years and early adulthood.
She has since made great progress in her journey, becoming a certified Life Coach and NLP Practitioner.
Nozuko now uses her platform to encourage others, sharing practical tips such as meditation, journaling, nurturing creativity, and setting clear goals.
Gigi LaMayne
Rapper Gigi LaMayne has also been honest about her struggles. In 2018, she caused concern after posting a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), which led to her hospitalisation.
Since then, she has become a strong advocate for mental health awareness, often urging her fans to seek help when they need it.
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah has long spoken about the importance of therapy and mental health. I
In 2024, during an interview on Diary of a CEO, he reflected on how therapy has always existed informally in communities through conversations with loved ones.
He argued that giving it a formal label has contributed to stigma, making it seem reserved for people who are “broken”, when in reality, it is something everyone can benefit from.
Through their openness, these public figures are helping to break down barriers, encouraging South Africans to see mental health as a vital part of overall well-being rather than something to be hidden in silence.
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