SANDTON, GAUTENG – This past Thursday, the 4th of September, the prestigious Mercedes-Benz facility in Sandton played host to a critical and forward-thinking dialogue on a pervasive modern challenge: mental wellness in the workplace. The event, hosted by the Nyatee Foundation under the theme “Mental Health Wellness in the Workplace,” brought together a diverse coalition of leaders from healthcare, technology, and advocacy to explore innovative solutions.

The gathering highlighted a powerful consensus: technology is no longer just a tool for productivity but a vital ally in the fight to support employee mental health, moving from detection to active management and even treatment.

The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Happy Ngidi Khumalo, the Chief Marketing Officer of Proudly South African. She set the tone by emphasizing the economic and social imperative for South African businesses to prioritize mental wellbeing, framing it as a cornerstone of a healthy, productive, and truly “proud” national workforce.

A significant portion of the discourse was dedicated to the practical application of technology. Mr. Seati Moloi, CEO of Khoi Tech, took to the podium to demystify the role of everyday wearable tech. He detailed how smartwatches are evolving beyond fitness trackers into powerful guardians of mental health. By monitoring key biometric data like heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and activity levels, these devices can provide early, objective warnings of elevated stress and anxiety, empowering individuals to take proactive steps before a crisis occurs.

This theme of proactive, data-driven care was echoed by Ms. Onkgopotse Khumalo of Amari, who presented her mental wellness software platform. She articulated the critical gap such platforms fill by seamlessly connecting individuals struggling in silence with qualified medical professionals, such as psychiatrists and therapists. In a country where access to mental healthcare remains a challenge, she positioned technology as a bridge, reducing stigma and simplifying the process of seeking help.

The host organization’s perspective was provided by Ms. Onkemetse Tlape, Project Manager of the Nyatee Foundation. She offered a ground-level view, sharing the Foundation’s hands-on strategies and initiatives for fostering a psychologically safe and supportive environment within their own organization, underscoring the human centric goal that all technology must serve.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking presentation came from the medical field. Dr. Khumo Merafe of CarePoint General Practitioners provided a clinician’s perspective on the technological

revolution in mental healthcare. She confirmed that medical professionals are increasingly relying on technology not just for administrative tasks but for direct patient care.

Dr. Merafe introduced the audience to roXiva, a cutting-edge technology that represents a significant leap forward. Moving beyond mere detection and management, she explained how roXiva aims to actively participate in curing mental illness. The technology purportedly works by using precisely calibrated audio and light stimuli to “rewire” the brain, a non-invasive approach that could potentially offer new hope for lasting recovery.

The event, facilitated by the Nyatee Foundation, successfully painted a picture of a future where mental health is not a silent struggle but a supported journey. It showcased a powerful synergy between compassionate advocacy and bold innovation, proving that from the smartwatch on your wrist to advanced neurological technology, the tools to build a mentally well South Africa are already here.

ENDS.