‘Mfowethu uGrend?’ camp phase 1 lineup unveiled

By Siphesihle Dlamini

The much-anticipated ‘Mfowethu uGrend?’ camp, a men-only event dedicated to addressing mental health challenges, has officially unveiled its Phase 1 speaker lineup.

Hosted by the Gogo & S’lwane Care Foundation, this transformative camp will take place from December 19 to 21, 2025, at the picturesque Malolotja Nature Reserve.

Popular comedians and social media influencers Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane are spearheading this initiative, leveraging their widespread influence to create a safe space where men can confront often-taboo issues surrounding mental health.

The duo, who recently captured national attention with their viral “Lugodvo Kimi” trend on TikTok, have moved beyond entertainment to champion a cause that touches the core of community well-being.

The confirmed lineup includes panellist and moderator Mfundo “Ndosh” Simelane, alongside speakers Mtera Thwala, Clement Dlamini, Malungelo Mamba, and Dumsani “Njobo” Mamba.

Together, they bring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise that will enrich the camp’s discussions. Gogo and S’lwane will also serve as hosts, guiding participants through the program’s sessions.

The vision behind ‘Mfowethu uGrend?’ is deeply philosophical: healing a man today contributes to the health and prosperity of future generations.

Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane have designed this camp as a sanctuary where men can openly discuss their struggles without fear of stigma or judgment.

The initiative responds to an urgent societal need, as men’s mental health issues continue to escalate with devastating consequences.

S’lwane articulated the motivation for the camp, highlighting the alarming signs visible in everyday life. “We looked within ourselves, searched within our own families and communities.

We read newspapers, saw it on TV and heard about it on the radio. Worse, even our social media timelines are littered with it. From the attempted suicides to the completed ones, to the sexual and gender-based violence.

The red flags are all over us, unmistakable. The crisis that is men’s mental ill-health is one we feel we can no longer ignore.”

Gogo Eswatini underscored the responsibility that comes with their public platform. “At some point, one feels like their influence is pointless if it is not fully leveraged to help better the lives of the people who make us what we are as influencers or public figures.

Particularly, in such a troubled world as ours lately; every other weekend we are either burying a friend or a relative due to suicide or we are reading in the papers that Man X has butchered Woman X, which to us will always be troubling.”