The Pelo Project

It’s tough getting on the same page in such a diverse country such as South Africa. Whether it’s age, culture, religion or race - our beliefs often clash.

The concept of mental health is a western one and is constantly evolving. Look at parenting and childhood development - we have seen huge changes in the last 30 years. Changes that need to be considered now. Research is growing around things like emotional regulation, attachment, discipline and punishment. Hitting children is something people don’t like being challenged on but it is something we need to talk about. But how do we find a language and sense of meaning that fits for everyone?

The way I see it - it lies in our emotions and our emotional system. The more we understand our emotional system in the same way we understand the physical system (or body and physical illness), the more we will start to understand the impact of trauma. Trauma in our physical body is widely accepted - if we break bones or have a seizure we understand the implications and the rehabilitation needed. What happens when we have emotional wounds though? How are we rehabilitating those?

We see violence at an all time high in this country. GBV, bullying, beatings and even murder or revenge killings. We see substance abuse taking lives and increasing crime. We see gangs and mafia type systems being set up. And we see violence towards children in so many ways. The emotional wounds that are festering and unhealed are being passed down to children as young as infancy. Teachers are beating students in many schools, particularly rural schools. Students beat each other up and many students are being beaten at home too.

There is no safe space to heal, to learn or to uplift for many young South Africans. The belief that children need punishment and violence in order to behave and achieve is a dangerous concept to uphold. The more a child is traumatised - the more likely they are to continue these cycles of abuse, poverty and substance abuse. Schools need to be safe havens for children and violence needs to be addressed.

❤️Paula Taylor 18/06/25

Howick Whoonga Project - Support numbers for families and addicts:

💚SADAG 24hr substance abuse helpline: 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312
❤️Lifeline and r**e crisis PMB: 033 342 4447 or Lifeline national number: 0861 322 322
💙Suicide crisis line: 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393
💜Ambulance and fire brigade: 10177
💛Emergencies and police: 10111
💖SANCA PMB: 033 345 4173
💚 NICRO (traffic offences and DUI's) 24hr hotline: 072 184 6483