A workshop on mental health was held at the United Nations Head Offices in Mbabane on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, for local football clubs. The Ministry of Health's National Mental Health Focal Person, Sindiso Bhembe, presented at the workshop. Eswatini is the second-leading country in Africa for reported suicide cases. Bhembe highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues among young people.
According to a Global School Survey carried out in 2025, one in four pupils aged 13 to 17 had attempted suicide more than once. The survey approached around 790 pupils who reported being affected by depression and anxiety. Bhembe noted that mental health issues do not only affect older people, as distress often begins at age 15 and younger. The youth also reported feeling lonely, which Bhembe described as a dangerous sign.
Bhembe requested the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to allocate a small wellness office to help those going through mental health challenges. She suggested community-based activities in the four corners of the country to help fight this challenge. The EFA Executive Member and Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) Chairman, Dr. Comfort Shongwe, thanked the ministry for organizing the workshop.
Dr. Shongwe noted that football provides the right platform to drive the message home. The workshop aimed to empower clubs to address mental health issues among young players. Eswatini's football community is taking steps to tackle mental health challenges. The country has a high rate of reported suicide cases.
The Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and the EFA collaborated to organize the workshop. The event brought together representatives from local football clubs. The participants were educated on mental health issues and ways to address them. The workshop is part of a larger effort to promote mental health awareness in Eswatini.
Mental health issues are a significant concern in Eswatini, particularly among young people. The country has a high rate of reported suicide cases, and it is essential to address this challenge. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to promote mental health awareness and support.
The EFA and the Ministry of Health are working together to promote mental health awareness in Eswatini's football community. The workshop was a step towards empowering clubs to address mental health issues among young players. Key stakeholders are committed to promoting mental health awareness and support in the country.
Key points
- Eswatini is the second-leading country in Africa for reported suicide cases.
- A Global School Survey carried out in 2025 revealed that one in four pupils aged 13 to 17 had attempted suicide more than once.
- The Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and the EFA collaborated to organize the workshop to empower clubs to address mental health issues.
