Nthabiseng Ngoepe formed her foundation to champion mental health issues
By Siyanda Hlatshwayo
Nthabiseng Ngoepe, a respected legal practitioner and passionate philanthropist, is making a profound impact beyond courtrooms through the work of the Rola Pelo Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband. The foundation has become a guiding light, focusing on mental health advocacy and support for people across generations, from the youth to the elderly.
Established with the vision of tackling the silent struggles of mental illness, the Rola Pelo Foundation has developed mental wellness coaching programs that are currently active in the provinces of Gauteng and Limpopo. These initiatives offer safe spaces for communities to learn, heal, and openly discuss mental health challenges without fear of stigma.
Nthabiseng Ngoepe’s approach is profoundly personal and community-driven. “We believe mental health is not a conversation for some, but for everyone, young and old. It is about empowering people to live fully, with the necessary tools to navigate life’s pressures,” she has previously shared during a community outreach in Tembisa.
The foundation runs workshops, coaching sessions, school engagements, and community dialogues that focus on emotional resilience, stress management, and creating awareness about the importance of seeking help. In Gauteng, the foundation has successfully launched youth-focused campaigns to destigmatise therapy and continues to work with schools and community groups in areas like Tembisa. In Limpopo, it provides mental wellness support to elderly groups and rural communities, offering practical tools to manage emotional distress.
Speaking about her passion for this work, Nthabiseng Ngoepe said, “Mental wellness is a human right. Through the Rola Pelo Foundation, we aim to bring these conversations into every home, every school, and every village. No one should suffer in silence, and no one should walk this journey alone.”
Looking ahead, the Rola Pelo Foundation has ambitious plans to expand its footprint to other provinces across South Africa. The organisation plans to launch school-based mental wellness clubs, providing learners with consistent access to mental health education and safe spaces for dialogue. The foundation also plans to train community mental health champions, equipping young people and local leaders to become mental health ambassadors in their communities.
Furthermore, the foundation is actively deploying mobile mental wellness units to remote and underserved areas to ensure universal access. Specialised programmes focusing on men’s mental health advocacy will soon be introduced, aiming to break down the stigma and cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking help. Partnerships with local clinics are also in the works to strengthen mental health referral systems and provide ongoing support to those in need.
Through Nthabiseng Ngoepe’s leadership, the foundation is not just addressing mental health issues but is actively building a culture of openness, compassion, and proactive well-being.
As South Africa continues to confront the growing mental health crisis, the work of the Rola Pelo Foundation remains a powerful force in changing lives and shaping a healthier, more supportive society.
