Africa-Press – Eswatini. The highly anticipated Mfowethu uGrend? men-only mental health camp has officially announced its Phase One speaker line-up, marking a significant step towards addressing the growing crisis of men’s mental well-being in Eswatini.
The camp, hosted by the Gogo & S’lwane Care Foundation, will run from 19 to 21 December 2025 at the scenic Malolotja Nature Reserve. Popular comedians and digital influencers Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane, who co-founded the Foundation, are leading the initiative. Known for their viral “Lugodvo Kimi” social media trend, the duo are using their platform to foster open dialogue around mental health issues traditionally considered taboo among men.
The camp’s first-round line-up features moderator Mfundo “Ndosh” Simelane and speakers Mtera Thwala, Clement Dlamini, Malungelo Mamba and Dumsani “Njobo” Mamba. Each brings unique insights aimed at enriching conversations and encouraging men to confront emotional challenges in a supportive environment. Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane will also serve as programme hosts throughout the three-day event.
The vision behind Mfowethu uGrend? is rooted in the belief that healing men today contributes to healthier families and communities tomorrow. The Foundation describes the camp as a refuge designed to dismantle stigma and allow men to speak freely about their experiences, vulnerabilities and pressures.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the initiative, S’lwane said the warning signs of a mental health crisis are everywhere.
“We looked within ourselves, within our families and communities. We read it in newspapers, saw it on TV and heard it on radio. Even our social media timelines are littered with it – attempted suicides, completed suicides and rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence. The red flags are unmistakable. The crisis of men’s mental ill health is one we can no longer ignore.”
Gogo Eswatini echoed this sentiment, stressing the responsibility that comes with being a public figure.
“At some point, one feels their influence is pointless if it is not fully leveraged to better the lives of the people who make us who we are. Every other weekend we are burying a friend or relative due to suicide, or reading that Man X has killed Woman X. It is disturbing, and we felt compelled to act.”
The Gogo & S’lwane Care Foundation hopes the camp will empower men to seek help, support one another and break destructive cycles that have become increasingly visible nationwide. Organisers say the event is more than a gathering; it is a commitment to saving lives and reshaping conversations around masculinity and emotional well-being in Eswatini.
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