Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

28 October 2026

Bethal SAPS men for change and women’s network took a stand and hosted an internal triple awareness campaign on mental health, breast cancer and stroke, today, 27 October 2026 where they collaborated with professionals nurses from The local Choice Pharmacy and Phoenix Support Centre.

“The aim of the triple awareness campaign was to educate and encourage officials to prioritize their well-being, break the stigma, and share coping strategies on mental health, breast cancer, and stroke.” Said Sergeant Thomas Mogadime, the men for change chairperson.

Sister Thandeka Mazibuko from The Local Choice Pharmacy made a presentation on stroke awareness to help individuals, families, and communities act quickly and significantly towards reducing long-term health risks and improving recovery outcomes from stroke.

She explained that stroke is caused by either a blockage of blood flow in the brain or by bleeding in the brain, which causes swelling in the brain.

Mazibuko sdded that stroke is a leading cause of death and can also cause severe damage to the brainstem, leaving a person in a coma where they are fully conscious but completely paralyzed except for eye movements.

In order to detect or spot a stroke, members were advised to use the”B-E-F-A-S-T” method explained as follows:

• B(Balance loss or coordination)

• E(Eye or vision change)

• F(Face drooping) 

• A(Arm weakness)

• S(Speech difficulty)

• T(Time to call for emergency)

After her presentation about stroke, she tackled the breast cancer focusing on early detection, education, and reducing the stigma of the disease since October is known as breast cancer awareness month.

Members participated in a quiz on warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the following were mentioned:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm

• Swelling or thickening of a part of the breast

• Skin dimpling and looking like an orange peel

• Unusual nipple discharge other than breast milk

• Red color of the breast

Mazibuko encouraged women to perform regular self check on their breasts for unusual changes.

In summing up the triple awareness campaign, Mr Mandlenkosi Mahlangu from Phoenix Support Centre had an opportunity to engage with members on mental health issues. 

Mental health issues or challenges affect ones job performance and lead to higher absenteeism.

He mentioned the following as common signs and symptoms of mental illness.

• Social withdrawal or isolation

• Shifts in sleep patterns or appetite

• Trouble concentrating or declining personal care

• Persistent thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Sudden or extreme emotional swings

“In life, we never know what those around us are going through, so be kind.” Mahlangu concluded.

Captain Anne Steyn, the support head, thanked men for change for leading the triple awareness campaign and involving professionals in creating awareness about breast cancer, stroke and mental health. “This shows that men for change cares about the well-being of all the women at the station.” she added.