On the 12th of March 2026, SAFMH Deputy Director, Leon de Beer, took part in the launch of an exciting new initiative by the Wits Law Students’ Council, aimed at raising awareness about men and mental health on campus.
The launch, which was a conference entitled “Men-Tality”, brought together both male and female students to engage in a range of topics pertaining to mental health and how it relates to men in the modern world.
Leon was part of a panel of presenters, which also included two dynamic mental health experts, Dr Themba Tom Ntuli and Dr Steven Molokeng, both of whom brought in different and insightful angles to this important topic, focusing on the importance of men being taught about the importance of and how to show vulnerability, and how men can constructively contribute to their societies through more conscious efforts focused on their mental health and the negation of traditional and destructive ideas of masculinity.
Leon’s presentation shared his own lived experience journey with mental health problems, and focused on a number of key concepts, including men and suicide, masculinity norms and societal pressures faced by men, toxic masculinity, the global trend of poor help-seeking behaviour in men, stigma, and its role in perpetuating the suppression of vulnerability in men, while also touching on patriarchy and the role it plays in the socialisation of boys and men and inculcating notions such as “boys don’t cry” and “manning up” in the face of adversity.
The presentations were followed by a lively Q & A session, with students asking extremely pertinent and insightful questions.
This is only the beginning, and we will continue building on this successful event to ensure that the conversation about men and mental health can continue on campus”, said Esihle Beyile, Gender and Transformation Officer with the Council.
SAFMH wishes to congratulate the Wits Law Students’ Council on this excellent initiative.
Read here to find out more about men’s mental health.
