30 Years of Creating a Legacy of Change in Mental Health in SA

Reaching milestones is indicative of growth and continuity and the celebration of coming to being.

“As SADAG reaches its 30th year, I sit back and reflect on how I had not envisioned the impact this organisation would have on millions of South Africans”,

shares SADAG Founder Zane Wilson.

The story of a woman that turned a life hurdle into the largest Mental Health NGO in Africa, could be used to inspire many reading this. Zane Wilson is often described as a powerful individual that often built successful businesses through the gaps she found in different industries.

However, her career was disrupted by her severe Anxiety where she struggled to cope with attending meetings or even going to the supermarket. After years of visiting many doctors and specialists, she eventually was diagnosed with Panic Attacks.

Wilson did not only receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment when she crossed paths with Professor Michael Berk, but it was also the beginning of her journey in Mental Health advocacy. It all started in September 1994, when she partnered with Professor Berk to start a Support Group for those that were struggling with Anxiety.

“I thought that if it took me so long to get the correct treatment, what about others?”,

Wilson said.

The morning meeting was shared in a local community newspaper and the response was unimaginable. The library was filled to capacity with people who also experience Anxiety. The initiative grew quickly into Zane setting up a helpline from the dining room of her home - fast forward to 2024, SADAG now has over 30 toll free Helplines open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Today, SADAG offers free telephonic counselling to approximately 3000 callers a day, coordinates 180 Support Groups countrywide, facilitates school talks, host talks and workshops in person and online to different industries, runs 11 dedicated university helplines, confidential corporate wellness helplines, and has 2 free face-to-face Counselling Containers in Diepsloot and Ivory Park. The support SADAG offers is open to every South African in all languages.

“SADAG has played, and is still playing, a pivotal role in Mental Health in a country that has a combination of poor overall mental well being, together with one of the highest Suicide rates globally. Their commitment to provide a safe space for those struggling is commendable”,

said psychiatrist Dr Frans Korb.

Part of SADAG’s mission is to empower others through advocacy and patient support which can create positive change.

In celebration of their achievement, SADAG is launching a Book "30 Years of Making Mental Health Matter" on the 10th of September. The book explores the experiences of different individuals that have supported the organisation through its transition, and those that were supported by SADAG. The book will be available to purchase online, and the proceeds will be used to keep SADAG’s services running for the next 30 years.

“My vision for Mental Health still remains, since inception, through advocacy and increased accessibility to help any South African in need of help. SADAG has come a long way, but we still have a long way go. Through the book, I’d like our story to inspire others to continue Mental Health advocacy. Together, through a collective effort, South Africans can accomplish so much more”,

Zane said.