Langa, a flawed yet culturally-rich township
A bustling hub of activity, Langa township in Cape Town, South Africa, is truly unique in so many ways. On every street....
Tendani Mulaudzi
Journalist. Writer. Changemaker.
My Articles
A 7-Year-Old's Reported Rape Case Has Reignited GBV Protests in South Africa | OkayAfrica
In October 2024, a mother in Matatiele, a town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, sent her then 7-year-old daughter to school, as she did every day. Over the next few days, the mother noticed that her daughter, who has been given the pseudonym “Cwecwe” to protect her identity, was not her usual self. Details of what happened to her, how it happened, how the school and authorities responded, have sparked national outrage. Protests have broken out, and the hashtag #JusticeforCwecwe has sprea...
Story of recovery
“I’ve had my ups and downs and nearly six years ago my youngest son was killed in a car accident. I think that at that stage a lot of people suspected that I wouldn’t be able to sustain sobriety through that. I didn’t ever think that I would drink again but I don’t know how I didn’t because it was so excruciating, it’s still so unbelievably painful. I know you’re not ever meant to say you’re recovered but I know I am because I never drank again and if anything was going to be a test of my sobrie...
Help for a Gambling addiction
Gambling has become increasingly popular nationally. In 2024, South Africans contributed over R1 trillion to the gambling industry, a 40% increase from 2023. According to a study by an online sports betting company, 70% of South African gamblers do so to supplement their income as the cost of living rises and the unemployment rate remains one of the highest globally. With gambling becoming more accessible through online betting and casinos, hundreds of thousands of South Africans struggle with w...
Understanding Interventions for addiction
Addiction is a family disease, as it significantly impacts the individual, their family and friends. If you are concerned about a loved one, recognising the signs and knowing how and when to intervene can greatly assist in guiding them toward recovery. An intervention can be a daunting task for both the intervening party and the loved one struggling with addiction, so understanding how to approach the process is essential for reaching a positive outcome.
It is a common misconception that individ...
It is a common misconception that individ...
Employee Assistance Programmes and rehabilitation
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based intervention offered by employers to support employees dealing with personal issues that might adversely affect their job performance, health and well-being. These programmes provide confidential services such as counselling and referrals to help employees manage various challenges, including addiction.
According to EAP-SA, “EAPs are designed to provide support for employees who are experiencing life issues that may impact their p...
According to EAP-SA, “EAPs are designed to provide support for employees who are experiencing life issues that may impact their p...
A Decade After #FeesMustFall: South Africa's Unending Education Crisis | OkayAfrica
This story contains mention of mental health crises that may be upsetting to some readers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group and SA Federation for Mental Health have 24-hour mental health resources available.
A cycle of protest
#FeesMustFall was a hashtag that made waves on social media platforms back in 2015 when students from various South African universities protested against the rise in fees, demanding that the gov...
A cycle of protest
#FeesMustFall was a hashtag that made waves on social media platforms back in 2015 when students from various South African universities protested against the rise in fees, demanding that the gov...
Relapse and the need for continuous care
Relapse is a common challenge in addiction recovery and happens when a person stops maintaining their goal of avoiding the use of alcohol or other drugs and returns to previous use. Recovery is a lifelong process that requires ongoing support, and there is no cure for addiction. However, with a structured multi-phase approach to addiction treatment, including primary care, secondary care, halfway house (tertiary care) and 12-step meetings.
Addiction is a chronic condition, which makes relapse a...
Addiction is a chronic condition, which makes relapse a...
Parenting an autistic child
Parenting is challenging, even more so if a child has been diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The parents of autistic children have to navigate a world that is not always accommodating of neurodivergence. ASD is a complex condition that presents in many ways, from social communication challenges to sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviours. Yet, behind every diagnosis is a child with unique strengths and a parent who must become an advocate, c...
Medical aid cover addiction treatment
South Africa is facing an addiction epidemic, with around 15% of the population struggling with substance abuse to varying degrees. Chances are, you or someone you love may face addiction during your lifetime. It can be daunting to try and figure out the best treatment options while considering what can be a sudden and unexpected financial burden. Knowledge of what coverage your medical aid provides is necessary should you need to schedule an admission into treatment. Does my medical aid cover a...
Why we undermine our own success and how to overcome self-sabotage - The Upside
No one goes into a relationship with the hope of it ending and nobody sets goals with the attempt to fail however the fear of failing sometimes hinders one from achieving those goals! Self-sabotaging behaviour refers to intentional or unintentional actions that hinder a person's success; while it may seem counterintuitive, some individuals undermine their own progress often due to deep-seated fears, insecurities or past experiences. These destructive behaviours can manifest in different areas of...
South Africa’s Tumultuous History With Load-Shedding | OkayAfrica
When South Africans experienced two days of load-shedding in January,after 10 months of uninterrupted power supply, citizens scrambled to reinstall their load-shedding schedule apps. For many, the term "load-shedding" has become synonymous with daily life, but the roots of this crisis stretch back to the apartheid era and beyond.South Africa's power infrastructure tells a story of historical inequality. Eskom, the state utility thatsupplies 95 percent of the country's electricity, serves a popul...
Neurodivergence in girls and women now receiving attention
For a long time, neurodivergent diagnoses for conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) were mostly for boys who couldn’t sit still in class due to hyperactivity and a tendency to be distracted. However, this has changed in doctors’ rooms and online, with many female social media content creators posting content about how neurodivergence presents differently in them. Diagnoses in adulthood are also becoming more frequent...
For a long time, neurodivergent diagnoses for co...
For a long time, neurodivergent diagnoses for co...
Tendani Mulaudzi on mental wellbeing - Afrika Tonight
Conversation with freelance journalist, Tendani Mulaudzi who is passionate about focused writing on mental health/social issue.
Mental Health Check during the festive season - Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja
Uveka Rangappa speaks to Tendani Mulaudzi a Mental Health Professional and Journalist about having a mental health check during the festive season.
We need to talk about suicide
With the advent of TikTok, the term “un-aliving” has been used as an alternative to “suicide”, so users can avoid platform censorship. But no matter what we call it, we are facing a global mental health crisis.Despite this, suicide is still a topic that people shy away from. Families who have experienced the passing of a loved one by suicide can feel an element of shame when speaking about the death; some might even attempt to hide the exact cause of death; some may even feel it unnecessary to h...
When ‘I do’ becomes ‘I don’t want to any more’
Many of us were raised on stories that ended happily ever after, but fairy-tale endings seem to be increasingly rare as divorce cases rise at an alarming rate. There was an 11% increase in the number of completed divorce forms that were processed between 2011 and 2022, according to Stats SA data. Counselling psychologist Karabo Rasebitse attributes this increase to people being more willing and able to voice their dissatisfaction with their relationships. ..
Many of us were raised on stories th...
Many of us were raised on stories th...
Kabir Yacoob's Story: The MBA Journey
Kabir Yacoob has worked hard to get to where he is now, working as a Business Development Manager at the same company where he started his career. A graduate of Milpark for all three of his qualifications, Kabir is no stranger to a worthy challenge.
A man with big dreams, Kabir has been progressively working towards becoming a Chief Executive Officer, his dream since he was a teenager. Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration (graduated in 2013), a Po...
A man with big dreams, Kabir has been progressively working towards becoming a Chief Executive Officer, his dream since he was a teenager. Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration (graduated in 2013), a Po...
Kutlwano Raborife's Path to Success Through Further Education
Further education can be a life-changing decision, as demonstrated by Kutlwano Raborife. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (graduated in April 2024) from Milpark, her first formal degree at the age of 40.
With an exuberant energy and determined mindset, Kutlwano is the perfect example of defying the myth that there is an age limit to achieving your educational dreams.
Kutlwano currently works as a Stakeholder Relations Manager at a well-known...
With an exuberant energy and determined mindset, Kutlwano is the perfect example of defying the myth that there is an age limit to achieving your educational dreams.
Kutlwano currently works as a Stakeholder Relations Manager at a well-known...
SA’s women are fighting a war of survival
My Instagram feed is littered with faces of women and children whom I’ve never met and will never get the chance to meet. They are dead, murdered at the hands of individuals — many of whom were their lovers, past and present.I have never met them but I know their names; thanks to the fearless work of NPOs like Women for Change and Keep the Energy, which do their best in acknowledging those killed in acts of apparent femicide. Nomfundo Msibi, a 30-year-old woman who was allegedly stabbed to deat...
NPOs call out Gauteng for failing cancer patients
Lydia’s heart is one for giving, though she waits patiently for the cancer treatment that could save her life. She is one of the patients waiting for radiology treatment from Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.
The hospital has a huge radiology backlog of more than 3,000 patients, including people suffering from prostate, breast, cervical and colon cancer.
The hospital has a huge radiology backlog of more than 3,000 patients, including people suffering from prostate, breast, cervical and colon cancer.
The rise of Amapiano
It’s so distinctive and universal that every song belonging to the genre sounds familiar, almost like you’ve heard it before. Amapiano, as the genre is named, has had that effect on people worldwide. Originating in the southern tip of Africa in the minds of South African music producers, Amapiano can now be heard on radio stations in the United States and nightclub dancefloors in Europe. In a relatively small period of time, Amapiano has truly taken the world by storm.
In the South African-prod
In the South African-prod
BIG READ: Some of SA’s rehab centres need a dose of tough love
At least 15% of South Africans face some sort of struggle with substance abuse, according to statistics released by Wits University. This is hardly surprising as we are known for our drinking culture, which pervades socioeconomic divisions. In addition to this, the issues that South Africans face, including a high unemployment rate, poverty and broken family structures, make for the ideal breeding ground for addiction.
Stressful ordeal awaits people trying to get UIF payments
Unemployment due to retrenchment or an unexpected dismissal, and maternity, parental and illness leave can add to the stress of the person who needs to take the time off. Taking care of a baby or attempting to recover from an illness is taxing enough, and the burden of financial insecurity just adds fuel to the mental health fire.
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