Letsike Calls for Youth Mental Health Interventions at Commonwealth Youth Forum

“We have a responsibility, as governments of the world, to respond to the global mental health crisis among young people,” Letsike said.

Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, has emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing mental health challenges among youth. Speaking at the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Apia, Samoa, Letsike outlined South Africa’s commitment to promoting both physical and mental health as basic human rights.

Mental Health as a Priority for Youth

Leading the South African delegation, Letsike stressed the importance of addressing the mental health crisis that affects young people globally, particularly by learning from other Commonwealth nations. Despite progress in policy-making, she noted that many countries, including South Africa, struggle with effectively implementing mental health policies that meet the specific needs of the youth.

“We have a responsibility, as governments of the world, to respond to the global mental health crisis among young people,” Letsike said. She emphasized that South Africa’s interventions aim to integrate prevention, care, and treatment while dismantling stigma and addressing the root causes of mental health issues.

As part of the National Youth Policy, Letsike outlined several interventions to promote mental health, including:

Physical Education: Compulsory physical education to combat diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Community-Based Support: Establishing recreational and sporting facilities in communities and providing on-site psycho-social services in both community and educational institutions.

Addressing Social Ills: Tackling issues such as substance abuse, crime, gender-based violence, and bullying through professional mental health services.

Accessible Counselling: Expanding awareness of therapy and counselling services, particularly for disadvantaged and rural youth, through community-based services, NGOs like Childline, and organizations like the South African Depression Action Group (SADAG).

Parental Support: Extending mental health services and programs to parents and guardians of affected youth.

24/7 Confidential Services: Introducing toll-free, confidential counselling hotlines and chat services via platforms like WhatsApp, linked to a geographic information system (GIS) for immediate response to crises such as suicidal ideation.

The Public Health Lens and Collaboration

Letsike underscored that addressing youth mental health requires a broad public health approach, focusing on the root causes, including gender-based violence, substance abuse, and unemployment. Professionals, including counsellors, psychologists, and social workers, must collaborate with youth, families, and communities to ensure comprehensive care that dismantles systemic issues of discrimination and exploitation.

“Mental health is a basic right, and failure to safeguard the mental health conditions of youth will impair their futures, limiting their opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society,” Letsike added.

The Deputy Minister’s call for action resonated with the CHOGM 2024 theme, “Our Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth,” emphasizing the need for consistent and comprehensive mental health interventions for the youth worldwide.