Celeb Twitter Round-Up: Dineo Ranaka Prompts Mental Health Conversations

The current situation with Kaya 959 presenter Dineo Ranaka has prompted many discussions around mental health on Twitter, with much sympathy and equal amounts of spite being aimed at her in the process.

On Tuesday, 23 May, Ranaka roused everyone’s concerns when she posted the following to her Instagram account:

Older sister Manaka has since confirmed that the family are now with her after she made these heartbreaking posts. Kaya 959 also released a statement in which they expressed their well-wishes for her health, while asking fans to kindly respect her family’s privacy during this time.

Over on Twitter, some peeps showed some love for Ranaka and displayed their sympathies for those going through the same thing:

But some folks deigned to show their ignorance and/or harshness towards Ranaka, as well as the subject of mental health, especially in a South African context:

Hectic stuff, and very scary to contemplate.

It’s already been established that regardless of one’s status and lifestyle, depression and related mental illnesses can affect anyone. That one can go around smiling and be able to afford the best that life can offer doesn’t necessarily mean that one is truly happy – it may just mean they’re hiding a ton of pain, sadness and despair behind a cheerful facade, and they’re struggling to open up about it.

And, if confronted with the kind of attitude shown on Mzansi Twitter nogal, it’s a small wonder one may struggle to open up in the first place.

That’s why peeps like @ubani_Jokar, @Nwabi_0913 and @Sandraboyce19 tweeted out in response to these skewed viewpoints:

If anything, at least Ranaka is in safe hands and may be able to begin healing; as for the rest of SA, it’s a crucial step towards understanding mental illness – not just for your own benefit, but that of your loved ones, too.

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