Tshepang Mahlatsi – “The best way not to be misunderstood is actually owning your story.”

Whilst in the business of telling stories, one comes across people who turn turmoil into testimony. The founder of Next Chapter, an organisation aimed creating awareness on mental health, is an individual who effortlessly hones this attribute. Tshepang Mahlatsi, an LLB student, champions himself as a young and driven person aimed at trying to solve problems within his surroundings.

Mental Health and the Millennial

“Still trying to define myself out of my trauma.” As a well-known mental health activist at The University of the Free State (UFS), Tshepang does not shy away from speaking with conviction. His involvement as a student leader in the FeesMustFall movement is testament. Similarly, his words are not minced behind his teeth as one can tell he truly believes every word he says. His own diagnosis with Post Traumatic Disorder(PTSD) in 2016 is what inspired Tshepang’s advocacy on a topic surrounded with taboo and shame.

Why do you consider identity a central aspect towards mental health and healing?

“Our generation is faced with having to define themselves outside of their pain, families, religion and qualifications.” Often, as young people standing in unprecedented freedom that our parents wish they had, we are expected to achieve. “I want to define myself out of what my parents think I am.” As an activist his scope of knowledge views identity crisis as a hidden pressure that can halt recovery. “We can’t always identify ourselves but be loyal to your calling because it will help determine your identity,” he said

As a black man you have faced a great deal of trouble trying to explain mental health in your culture, how did you handle being constantly misunderstood by others as well as what you have learnt? How did you unlearn?

“One thing I am not going to hide from anyone is my privilege,” he said. Tshepang explained that even in the turmoil he encountered, the reception was still favourable. “Language is also a barrier, there are certain terms that we need to take back to English.” He pleads with students pursuing careers in academia to change the narrative and include marginalised bodies that need this vital information. “Do research in the language that speaks to us, “he said.

Failure: How did you deal with having to drop out in 2016?

“I am not at peace to be honest. Last year I should have graduated,” It is often said that conflict is felt the hardest by those who house it and the worst battle you can face is inside. “I don’t think I have forgiven myself because I know I could have achieved more. However, I remind myself I am smart, it’s not only about your academics or getting your degree at record time.”

Reflection:  what do you wish you wish you would have done differently?

Patience! The fast pace of development left Tshepang gasping for air. “Next Chapter, caught fire very quickly.” he felt that it came together faster than he anticipated and described the project as a child that was forced to walk fast. His recent development which will garner him all the control he needs, is the establishment of his personal brand Company Tshepang Mahlatsi (PTY) LTD. “Next Chapter was taking away from my talent as a speaker, I was being exploited.” 

Triggers and Self-doubt

A trigger is stimulus such as smell, sight and sound which invite feelings of trauma. Taking into consideration how much attention the young man receives as a speaker, Tshepang remedies his own feelings of anxiety with self-awareness. “If you are aware of your environment and surroundings, nothing will trigger you.” 

The issue we have is we always want to pitch our ideas to people up there,” Next Chapter was rejected when it started. You have an idea that is so small but capable of connecting the whole world. He accounts those moments to his own personal growth because he had to reassure himself to not give up. “Believe in your idea and own it.”

TWITTER|@LT_Mahlatsi