Walker Tackles 1,071km to Promote Men's Mental Health
Zolani Zondani is trekking from Gqeberha to Johannesburg to raise awareness and encourage men to seek support.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Men’s Health
Live Poll
Do you believe men in your community should feel more comfortable seeking help for mental health?
Zolani Zondani is currently nearing the end of a 1,071km walk from Gqeberha to Johannesburg. He aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health and substance abuse by encouraging others to seek help.
Why it matters
The initiative highlights the urgent need for mental health resources as South Africa faces high rates of suicide among men. Zondani hopes to inspire those struggling to speak out rather than suffering in silence.
In 2019, South Africa recorded 13,774 suicide deaths, representing a rate of 23.5 per 100,000 people. Male deaths accounted for the vast majority of these cases.
The players
Zolani Zondani
He is an activist and the founder of the Broski Brotherhood NPC who walks long distances to draw attention to men's mental health.
Broski Brotherhood NPC
This is a non-profit organisation established to provide mental health and emotional support for men in South Africa.
The details
Zondani, founder of the non-profit Broski Brotherhood NPC, maintains his journey with the assistance of two companions and donations from motorists. He has previously completed a 700km walk to Cape Town and maintains his pace by carefully managing physical injuries.
Timeline
2019: South Africa recorded 13,774 suicide deaths.
October 2025: Zondani walked 700km from Gqeberha to Cape Town.
30 October 2026: Zondani is 200km from his destination.
Health Landscape
This walk aligns with the World Health Organization's global mental health reporting standards by highlighting national crisis data. The effort serves as a grassroots response to established health benchmarks that identify suicide as a major public health concern.
This campaign encourages readers struggling with mental health to prioritise emotional wellbeing and seek professional support services. By highlighting the reality of male suicide rates, it prompts men to shift their perspective on vulnerability and access available care.
The takeaway
Zondani's journey illustrates that individual activism can serve as a catalyst for national conversations on difficult health topics. Those seeking help are encouraged to reach out to local support networks rather than internalising their emotional struggles.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives in the South Africa Men’s Health section.
Live Poll
Do you believe men in your community should feel more comfortable seeking help for mental health?
