THIS past week, South Africa mourned a great loss—one of its brightest comedic talents—with the passing of Ebenhaezer Dibakwane.

The actor, writer, creative, and award-winning comedic bright spark was a beloved figure in both the comedy scene and on the big screen. His quick wit, infectious humour, and downright authentic relatability made him an endeared public figure, in any scene.

Beyond that, Ebenhaezer had an ingenious way of conveying exceptionally insightful observations in a uniquely hilarious way. With a confident, yet effortless style that radiated charm, and thick, vibrant hair worthy of making Steve Biko jealous, Ebenhaezer was certainly an embodiment of incomparable energy.

It is not often when one realises the adverse impact of loss, not only to a family, community, or industry, but to an entire society. He is one comedian who would not shy away from drawing on his own deeply rooted personal experiences, cultural heritage, and unique experience of life as a black male South African in our newly democratic society. This, indeed, is a valuable outlook that very few in our society still uphold.

Ebenhaezer’s family’s statement following the news of his sudden passing earnestly highlighted that preliminary evidence indicated the death to be a result of suicide. Their statement further stated that: “Ebby was well-known for the talent of making people laugh, and yet he struggled with depression for a number of years.”

The statement continues: “It is our prayer that this tragedy may remind all of us of the need to look out for each other, while taking care of our own mental health, including seeking professional help where necessary.”

In a country where the scars of apartheid still linger in the daily realities embattled by Black South Africans, mental health care can, and continues to be, the straw that broke the camel’s back. With the plethora of inequalities, injustices, and disparities faced in our society, mental health care frequently takes a backseat. However, so many people face complete debilitation when they consistently undermine deep-seated emotional wounds, both from the past and the present.

Ebenhaezer’s passing has struck a chord across a society, truly resonating the seriousness of mental health. It is vital that our society begins to persistently acknowledge and address—not only the traumas—but the inherent resilience within.

Black communities must begin to prioritise mental health, not only in discourse but also in action. Breaking the silence and toxic stigmas that have kept many from seeking the help they deserve is vital, now more than ever.

We can no longer view mental health as a luxury or an afterthought, but as a vital aspect of our everyday lives. Whether this is undertaken through physical exercise, social connections, prayer, meditation, spending time in nature, practicing self-reflection and mindfulness, undertaking constructive or meaningful hobbies, and so much more, it is a significant responsibility that every person is responsible for upholding in their own lives.

It is further imperative that we dismantle the institutional and economic barriers to mental healthcare services, especially in marginalised communities. Collaborative efforts across our entire society are vital in attaining resources that support emotional and psychological healing.

All social, political, public, private, cultural, and social sectors must meaningfully cooperate in the upliftment of our society’s mental wellbeing. One of these is true: The future of Black South Africa depends on the mental fortitude of its people—because true liberation starts from within.

It is a truly tragic irony that such a bright beacon of joy could be suffering unimaginable pain behind closed doors. This is compounded by the reality that millions of people across the world, and often closer to home than one may think, suffer the same pain.

In South Africa alone, there are about 14 000 deaths by suicide annually, which according to the SA Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop) disproportionately affect black men. In 2024, it was reported that South Africa has the third highest suicide rate across all 54 countries on the continent.

It is not only on the onus of others but also of us to call our loved ones, to speak up when people are missing, and to defend those who may be covertly or overtly suffering.

It is our responsibility to ensure that our families, friends, clubs, and communities are forthright about mental health challenges as well as meaningfully addressing them. It is vital that everyone undertakes responsibility for their own emotional intelligence, personal outlook, and mental wellbeing in their everyday lives.

It is, in some way, a full-circle moment, that even the most downtrodden, disheartened, heartbroken individuals will forever have the voice and skits of Ebenhaezer to raise their spirits and brighten their day.

In fact, millions of people across the world fully lean on the artistry of comedic legends like Ebenhaezer in times of distress and depression. For so many, laughter very literally equates to healing.

Although we have suffered an incomparable loss in Ebenhaezer Dibakwane’s passing, his spirit is deeply etched into the fabric of the nation. We must honour his legacy by committing to inspire joy in the world around us—not only consistently bolstering our own mental wellbeing, but also the spirits of all those around us.

He has shown us that comedy is more than jokes; it is a way of healing and connecting. A robale ka kgotso (may he rest in peace), knowing he left a legacy of joy, and that his laughs will echo in our hearts forever.

* Tswelopele Makoe is a gender and social justice activist and the editor at Global South Media Network. She is a researcher and columnist, published weekly in the Sunday Independent, Independent Online (IOL), Global South Media Network (GSMN.co.za), Sunday Tribune, and Eswatini Daily News. She is also an Andrew W Mellon scholar at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, UWC. The views expressed are her own.

** The views expressed here do not reflect the views of Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.

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Ebenhaezer Dibakwane: Celebrating a comedic legacy and mental health awareness