National
The unspoken struggle: Men’s mental health in Zimbabwe
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Imagine a society where men are told to “toughen up” and “be strong”, but in reality, they’re struggling to cope with depression, anxiety, and stress.
This is the harsh reality in Zimbabwe, where the suicide rate is alarmingly high, and men are suffering in silence.
We spoke with Hwange District Medical Officer Fungai Musinami, who shared a startling truth: “Men are more likely to successfully complete suicide attempts than women.
Dr Fungai Musinami
“There is this concept in our society that a real man doesn’t cry, doesn’t struggle, and has to be strong. But men also struggle with depression and anxiety, and we’ve seen men commit suicides due to financial and relational challenges.“
But why is this happening? Musinami explains, “Our society perpetuates a harmful narrative that men must be invincible. But the truth is, men are human too. They face financial pressures, relationship stress…just like women. And when they can’t cope, they’re more likely to take their own lives.”
The statistics are chilling:
– 38 suicide attempts in January and February this year at Mpilo Hospital, up from 11 in the same period last year
– 162 attempted suicide cases in 2023
– Suicide rate in Zimbabwe: 18 deaths per 100 000 people, higher than the global average and neighboring countries
It’s time to break the silence and create a safe space for men to open up, Musinami urges, “Let’s treat men who are struggling with mental health issues with the same compassion and support as women. Let’s recognize that men are not weaker for failing to cope, but rather, they need our understanding and care.”
Musinami emphasized the need for a change in approach, particularly in churches, where women’s meetings are common, but men’s mental health is often overlooked.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The once-thriving Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway has become a nightmare for motorists, with many labeling it “undrivable” due to its deplorable state.
As we drove through the Hwange area, close to Dete, Lubimbi Turn and Lupane, we witnessed firsthand the treacherous conditions that have left drivers frustrated and fed up.
The road is riddled with potholes, gullies, and mud-filled craters, forcing many to abandon the main road and opt for a dusty, makeshift alternative.
In some areas close to Lupane, villagers have taken it upon themselves to fix the road using the ordinary soils. This is usually done by the children and women.
“I’ve been driving for over 20 years, but this road is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Thomas Moyo, a truck driver who frequently travels the route. “It’s like they’ve abandoned us. We’re forced to create our own paths, but even those are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.”
Another motorist, Sarah Ndlovu, expressed her disappointment and concern for safety. “It’s not just the damage to our vehicles; it’s the risk of accidents and injuries. I’ve seen cars stuck in the potholes , and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.”
The poor state of the road is also affecting travel times, with some motorists reporting journeys that take up to 10 hours to cover a stretch of 400 kilometers.
“It’s unacceptable,” said James Dube, a tourist operator. “This road leads to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions, and yet it’s in shambles. We need urgent attention to fix this road and restore our country’s reputation.”
However, in a recent statement, the government announced plans to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway this year.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, a significant allocation of funds has been set aside for the project, which is expected to commence in the coming months.
While this news has brought some relief to motorists, many remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises. “We’ve heard it all before,” said Moyo. “We’ll believe it when we see it.”
As the situation continues to deteriorate, motorists are calling on authorities to take immediate action to repair and maintain the highway.
With the peak tourist season approaching, it remains to be seen whether the government will follow through on its promises and restore the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway to its former glory.
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