Vhembe families urged to reintegrate mental health patients

LIMPOPO – The chairperson of the Vhembe Mental Health Review Board, Shadrack Tshivhonammbi, has raised concern over the mistreatment of mentally ill patients by their own families, calling on communities to respect their rights and dignity.

He said the board is committed to fighting for the protection of mentally ill individuals who continue to face discrimination and abuse after being discharged from hospital care.

“It is abuse when parents and relatives reject mentally ill patients from reuniting with their families after being discharged from hospital. A mentally ill person also has rights and must be treated with respect and dignity,” he said.

Tshivhonammbi said the board has received reports of families misusing government funds allocated to support mentally ill relatives. “We are fighting for these patients and ensuring that the money meant for their care is used for its intended purpose,” he added.

He made these remarks during a 4km fun walk organised for mental health patients at Hayani Hospital last Wednesday. The walk started at the hospital gates and ended at a retail store in Sibasa. Tshivhonammbi was joined by fellow board member, Vhamusanda Mashonelo Tshimange and the acting CEO of Hayani Hospital, Dr Ndizulafhi Mukwevho.

Tshivhonammbi stressed that a hospital is not a permanent place for people living with mental illness or other disabilities.

“If their condition improves, they have the right to reintegrate into their families, communities and social circles. We urge families to welcome them back. If community members become aware of patients being hidden or tied up at home, they should report the matter to us immediately.”

Mukwevho said the walk formed part of a rehabilitation effort for patients. He also used the opportunity to encourage young people to take care of their mental health and avoid substance abuse, which can trigger psychological disorders.

Vhamusanda Mashonelo Tshimange echoed these sentiments, urging families to accept their loved ones back once they are well enough to leave hospital care. “The name Hayani does not mean that this is their permanent home. They must return to their families,” he said.

Caregiver Thidivhiwi Tshovhote encouraged families not to abandon mentally ill relatives or leave all responsibility to hospital staff.

“Caring for a mentally ill person should be a shared responsibility. Parents must accept their children as they are. Giving birth to a mentally ill child is not a curse. It’s something that must be accepted and supported,” he concluded.