On the morning of the 23rd of October 2025, the SA Federation for Mental Health [SAFMH], in collaboration with Tabvuma Mental Health, hosted a “culturally safe and responsive mental health care” webinar.
The webinar saw speakers share practical examples of how culturally grounded, respectful and community-centred care is put into practice, because culture matters in healing. Key takeaways include:
- Nomakhosi Khumalo (Australia) shared the deeply personal realities of navigating mental health services, as well as the hope found in culturally grounded support and community care. She reminded us that identity and belonging are central to recovery and called for systems that truly listen to lived experience.
- Dr Xavier Mulenga (Australia) provided a clinical lens, highlighting both the progress and the persistent gaps in cultural safety across Australian healthcare settings. His example of embedding culturally responsive practices in routine care demonstrated that meaningful change begins with small and consistent actions, supported by leadership and accountability.
- Kurt Pretorius (South Africa) shared his lived experience perspective as he reflected on the challenges of navigating systems and how our support networks help in these situations. His call to policymakers was clear: co-design systems that reflect our communities’ realities.
- Edward Moutlana (South Africa) brought a systems and service-delivery view, demonstrating how partnerships, outreach, and even the respectful inclusion of traditional healers can make care more accessible and relevant. His recommendation reinforced that collaboration and cultural respect must underpin every mental health strategy.
Together, these voices remind us that cultural safety is not a tick-box exercise. It is a shared responsibility and a continuous practice of listening, learning, and doing better.
If you missed the conversation, you can watch it below:
Please note that this webinar discusses sensitive and potentially distressing topics related to mental health and lived experiences. Please take care of yourself as you listen.
