A wellness intervention programme to support artists and athletes in the Northern Cape was launched in the province recently.
This programme, Silapha, is an initiative by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and was launched by Minister Nathi Mthethwa in the Northern Cape Theatre in Kimberley on 3 November.
It was designed and established to address some of the issues that affect sport and creative workers, and focuses on issues such as mental health, substance abuse, financial management and legal matters.
Mthethwa said the programme was launched in February 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’ve since helped 1 911 practitioners through the dedicated toll free call centre line. We’ve also touched 1 900 practitioners through our interface outreach provincial activations. Their problems range from legal issues, critical incidences, addictive disorders, financial problems, and mental health related challenges.”
At the event, a panel shared with the audience how they dealt with mental health challenges, mistreatment from the industry and other issues. This was carried out to demonstrate how and why an initiative such as Silapha is necessary.
The panel consisted of among others Dawn Thandeka King, Thato Molamu, Moagi Modise, soccer legend Doctor Khumalo, and Kimberley’s para powerlifter, Ricardo Fitzpatrick.
The programme has a range of resources that are available to artists and athletes at no cost.
These include legal advice, mental health management, lifestyle management, financial management and substance abuse management.
Mthethwa said Silapha is being executed with the department’s gender-based violence (GBV) programmes.
Artists and athletes can use the following methods to engage with the programme: Dial the toll-free number 0800-007-088; send a WhatsApp message to 060-709-7839; send an SMS to 48445 or visit silapha.org.za.
