The old adage 'a problem shared is a problem halved' has never been more powerful than now.  I can certainly agree to this as difficult as it has been for me to reach out to loved ones and talk about my anxieties, jeopardizing a lot of relationships. I’m sure a lot of other people are also going through the same. It is something that I need to do more of (reaching out without feeling ashamed), instead of allowing my demons to push me back into a dark corner where I sometimes feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel (at a particular moment when that darkness suddenly knocks on my door unannounced).

According to a recent survey on Covid-19 and mental health conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), 65% of the 1214 respondents admitted to feeling stressed as a result of South Africa’s lockdown, while more than half (55%) said that anxiety and panic were challenges they had personally experienced.

That is why during June and July, Metropolitan is encouraging South Africans to talk about their experiences linked to the pandemic through their new campaign called ‘Three Word Stories’, providing easy-to-use steps that will help consumers navigate the “new normal”.

Each week, Metropolitan will use the airwaves as well as print and digital media to enable dialogue on a variety of issues, ranging from education to parenting in the time of Covid-19.

“With so much responsibility on their shoulders, people may feel incapable of vocalising their own fears and anxieties. We wanted to remind our audience that their voices are powerful, and that by sharing these stories, they will encourage others to do the same,” explains Llewellyn Allen, Head of Marketing: Metropolitan.

Well-known personalities such as Dr Musa Mthombeni and motivational speakers Malibonge Xaba, Hector Mathebe, Keabetswe Jan, Lehlohonolo Thoabala and Abongile Mangala will spearhead the campaign in partnership with radio personalities, who will take to the airwaves and facilitate the conversations.

While South Africa’s government and all its essential care providers are hard at work, leading the fight against Covid-19, it’s quite sad to know that civilians are in another battle… a battle against Gender Based Violence.  Statistics show that since the national lockdown was implemented, reported cases of Gender Based Violence have spiked from less than 1500 to over 5000 per week.

This spike has rightfully raised the ire of government and civic organisations and prompted a response from various organisations, including the #NoExcuse initiative which is driven by Carling Black Label. 

It is certainly a very concerning development which not only the brand is faced with, but the country in its entirety as nobody knows how many cases remain unreported. 

As a brand that is committed to recognizing the champion within, Carling Black Label wants to encourage people to be brave and give them a way to get help. The WhatsApp line they have recently launched will give victims of abuse (men or women) a way to get counselling silently. 

Their new approach is simple, really. People can send the word BRAVE to 0800 150 150 via WhatsApp and get in touch with the right organisation to get the help they need. They will also be partnering with other corporate entities, government departments as well as affiliates such as Takuwani Riime and the Men’s Sector to grow awareness of the service and remove barriers to getting assistance.

While #NoExcuse has always encouraged victims to be brave and report immediately, there are other socio-economic problems that need to be considered. Given the various circumstances people find themselves in during the lockdown, it may prove to be difficult for victims of abuse to call for help. So, the text-based service will enable them to silently send a text for help, without being detected.

As a person who has experienced Gender Based Violence first-hand as a kid (like many others have), I am appealing to everyone to help:

 1. raise awareness about this Helpline number, as people should know there is help available to them (both men and women)

2.      2. provide people (not just victims) with insight on the WhatsApp functionality and that help is only one Brave text away (BRAVE to 0800 150 150 via WhatsApp)