POLOKWANE – Author Matalane Mokgatla said his book Healing Wounded Soldiers aims to address challenges that surround men’s mental health and highlights stigma around emotions and masculinity.
A strong advocate for men’s mental health and encouraging them to speak up and the protection of the boy child, Mokgatla was launch the book on August 26 at Library Gardens.
Healing Wounded Soldiers strives to raise awareness, normalise seeking help and offer coping strategies while challenging societal norms. It also aims to prevent silent suffering, foster healthy relationships, and promote well-being and gender equality.
“Ultimately, the book seeks to shift attitudes towards open conversations about men’s mental health and recognises seeking support as a sign of strength,” Mokgatla said.
He also mentioned that the book envisions a world where vulnerability is valued, reshapes societal narratives and encourages personal growth, while standing as a testament to resilience and the power of shared understanding.
On his journey to liberate men, Mokgatla climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and also took a 10-day walk from Polokwane to the Union Buildings in Pretoria under the banner #MenSpeakUp #ProtectBoyChild.
Mokgatla continues to create a platform for men to speak up on his social media platforms on a daily basis, giving men space to break their silence.
Mokgatla embarked on this initiative after he realised that most men are not treated equally to women and that their mental health is not given the same consideration.
He hopes to see men from abusive relationships and toxic family backgrounds report cases of abuse and instances where their human rights are violated.
With the intention to heal and break gender stereotypes, Mokgatla hopes that men will find peace and the help they need in his book without fear of being judged and told they are not man enough.
