16 Aug 2018

 Poet and motivational speaker, Mmakgosi Tau says poetry and writing can help to create awareness and educate on mental health issues.

Tau said this on August 14 during a press conference ahead of the second installment of Mmakgosi Live billed for September 6 in Gaborone.

She said the event aimed to sensitise people on mental health issues and to bring forth an element of healing though poetry and collaboration with other art forms.

Tau said her brand ‘Mmakgosi Live’ is a brand that grooms talents and paves a way for artists to make a living through their skills.

She said through poetry, writing and other forms of art one can express themselves better and be able to change people’s situation.

Furthermore, she said through Mmakgosi Live, she hoped to inspire and enlighten the audience and make an impact on their lives.

She observed that there is a general lack of awareness on mental health issues and said poetry and other art forms could assist in sensitising the public.

 Tau, who has battled depression and bipolar said she wanted to use her experience to educate her audience.

She encouraged the society not to label and stigmatise people with mental health diseases and said they should instead support them to get better health assistance.

Tau also challenged other stakeholders to play their part in the community by creating mental health awareness.

She said she hopes for a better audience this year as she will be hosting a workshop for those in the creative industry on issues affecting mental awareness.

The event will also include performances on mental health issues and art activism.

Performing artiste Samantha Ncube said she was grateful to be part of Mmakgosi Live, adding that the concert will also help eliminate the stigma that the society has towards people who have been affected by mental health disorders.

Ncube said Mmakgosi Live session would also be helpful to those that are in the creative art industry as it will be a chance for the artist to explore themselves through their work, and it will elevate them for greater opportunities.

Poetess Dineo Serame, who will also be taking part, said through poetry, she was able to express herself and tell her story.

She said she was thankful to be part of the event as she would be able to give her bipolar testimony through poetry. ENDS