For generations, men have been expected to carry life’s burdens in silence. To suck it up and soldier on, hiding pain behind strength and vulnerability behind a smile. Yet the narrative around their mental health is shifting. We are beginning to recognise that true strength isn’t measured by how much a man can carry alone, but by his willingness to reach out when the load becomes too heavy. Instead. by the courage to be vulnerable, seek support, and heal.
Throughout Men’s Mental Health Month in June, mental health advocate Norleen Zulu led a powerful awareness campaign encouraging men to prioritise their wellbeing through practical action, open conversation, and shared experiences. In collaboration with leading experts, organisations across multiple sectors and coffee with some father’s , the campaign explored the interconnected roles of physical health, emotional wellbeing, leadership, and fatherhood, reinforcing a more holistic approach to men’s health.
One of the campaign’s standout moments was an invigorating collaboration with Body20 Melrose Arch, where participants, including Zulu herself, actively participated in an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training session, experiencing first-hand how physical activity contributes to improved mental wellbeing, greater resilience and reduced stress.
Recognising that the modern man spends much of his life in the workplace, Zulu also participated in an Executive Leadership Workshop facilitated by Sage Epic. The workshop explored practical tools for enabling professionals, particularly men, to maximise productivity, lead with emotional intelligence and perform optimally without a compromise on their mental health. It reinforced an increasingly important principle: sustainable success is achieved not through burnout, but through balance, self-awareness and psychological wellbeing.
The campaign further invested in the next generation by taking young from Norwood Primary School through a mental health coaching session. Here they reinforced healthy coping techniques to manage pressure, seek help without stigma and choose constructive responses over peer aggression and school violence. The school head-boy Skhumbuzo Ncube stated that his biggest takeaway from the session was gaining the courage to speak up and ask for help during vulnerable moments. It is these practical tools that young men need to develop emotional resilience.
A powerful takeaway emerged during Zulu’s interview with acclaimed actor Bongile Mantsai, who reflected on the importance of fatherhood. The conversation highlighted that while provision is important, a father’s emotional presence; his willingness to guide, mentor and protect, is equally vital in shaping a child’s confidence, emotional wellbeing and overall development. When men are mentally healthy, they are better equipped to nurture, support and positively influence the lives of their children.
Another highlight for this very important month was Father’s Day, where , Zulu joined Radio Islam for a feature, celebrating fathers while encouraging society to extend greater understanding, grace and support to the men who quietly carry immense responsibility.
As Men’s Mental Health Month draws to a close, one message remains undeniable – supporting men’s mental health is not simply about helping men; it is about strengthening families, empowering children, improving workplaces and building healthier communities. Through advocacy, collaboration and purposeful leadership, Norleen Zulu continues to distinguish herself as a passionate champion for mental wellness, demonstrating that investing in the wellbeing of men ultimately benefits society as a whole.
