This annual celebration comes with a new theme of “It’s the hour to make our youth empowered”, which mainly focusses on youth mental empowerment as well as a call for additional funding to guarantee that the youth have sufficient and high-quality access to mental health treatments, allowing them the chance to flourish and feel good.

“Whilst we recognise the South African definition of youth is between the ages of 15 and 35 years old, for this campaign, we will focus on youth/young people up to the age of 25,” the SAFMH stated.

Youth mental empowerment

According to the federation, the youth’s mental health is an important issue, and it aims to raise awareness with different campaigns to improve their mental health.

Although statistics indicate that males find it difficult to discuss their mental health, Southern Free State Mental Health Director Sandra Laten said they are already working on strategies. One strategy raised awareness in June (6/2025) during Men’s Mental Health Month. 

SAFMH calls on the South African government to create and deploy youth-focused interdisciplinary mental health teams in every district nationwide to combat the youth’s mental health conditions.

Mental Health Societies

The society is formed by 18 young people (aged 19-25 years) from four provinces across South Africa. They are working strategically to ensure that most young people get the assistance they need, despite insufficient investment.

Michel’le Donnely. Photo: SAFMH

SAFMH states that now is the ideal moment to make significant investments in the nation’s young people’s mental health.

The organisation also asks the public and the media to join us in calling upon the government to act now to support youth mental health, as now is the hour to empower our youth.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cg