October 7, 2024 • 32 mins
In this episode, we discuss the essential contributions of Africans providing mental health services to their communities during "The Rise of Mental Health In Africa". Dr. Mashaba recounts her journey and the reasons behind her choice to pursue Clinical Psychology, underlining the significance of culturally appropriate practices.
We discussed the importance of Africans providing trusted care to Africans. We hope you enjoy the episode!
- The critical role of Africans in delivering mental health services to their communities
- Dr. Mashaba’s journey and motivation for choosing Clinical Psychology
- The significance of understanding her calling within the profession
- Contextualizing mental health within the unique African landscape
- The balance of being a businesswoman and a healer
Search our directory and get matched with a great African provider now. Join our growing community of African providers and get found.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Welcome to Equip to Prosper, thepodcast where we inspire and
promote mental health in theAfrican community so that you
can prosper in health.
Together, we're going to learnthat our cultural and spiritual
health are just as important asour mental health.
And our emotional health, wechat with African mental health
professionals, business owners,and expert in the African
(00:25):
community to give you theresources needed to shift the
way you view mental health andtherapy.
I am your host, Comfort YuswaWiafe.
I am a therapist and the founderof Equip to Prosper.
Let's talk together.
Let's heal together.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-0 (00:44):
Welcome everyone back to another episode
of Equip to Prosper, thepodcast.
I am Comfort Yuswa Wiafe.
Thank you so much for joining ustoday.
Today we're talking to anamazing person in the healthcare
field.
That's inside Africa.
She's killing it.
She's doing an amazing worktoday.
We're talking to Dr.
(01:05):
Malibu Maseba.
Welcome doctor.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01-2 (01:09):
so much.
Thank you.
It's good to be here.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01 (01:13):
You're welcome.
So today we're talking aboutthe, just the power of being a
clinical psychologist in thehealthcare field.
But not just the clinicalpsychologist and African
clinical psychologists.
We know that a lot of what wesee and hear about therapy seem
to be Westernized and Westernfocused, but as humans, everyone
(01:35):
deal with mental health.
And so to have a clinicalpsychologist, that's African
doing amazing work in SouthAfrica.
the main reason for us to gether on here today.
So I'm just going to go aheadand share a little bit about who
she is, and then we're going toget right into it.
Dr.
Malibu Maseba is a clinicalpsychologist.
She is the founder of RichelaHealth Group, which focuses on
(01:58):
addressing mental wellness.
She is the founder of Action forChange, a non profit that
focuses on addressing substanceabuse and addiction amongst the
young people in the Africancommunity.
Fun fact, she is fluent inalmost all South African
languages.
That's amazing.
I think there's about 11languages.
(02:20):
So the fact that she's flowingin almost all of them speaks
volume to who she is as a woman,as a person, Dr.
Mashaba is so amazing to haveyou here.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-0 (02:31):
Thank you so much.
I must say that out of all those11 languages, as a therapist
would be the ones that youmostly are exposed to,
especially it will be moredependent on the kind of a
client that you have, which mostmostly English Zulu, Xhosa,
Avenda, Xitonga, Situana, andalso Africans speaking as well.
(02:58):
And I must say it's because ofthe diversity of the country
that one is a therapist to findyourself in.
So it's quite interestingbecause as a therapist as well,
you also, Learning and gettingexposure to different kinds of
languages and people'sbackgrounds as well.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01- (03:16):
Yeah.
Yeah.
Please tell us how you got intobecoming a clinical
psychologist.
Is this something you alwayswanted to do as a child or did
you stumble upon it in yourcollege years?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01-20 (03:28):
I remember when I was a child,
while I was in primary school, Iwas all the time, bringing other
kids with me at home, especiallythose who were seemed to be
destitute.
And I had a love for people andalways wanted to care for them
and love them.
But I wasn't aware that therewas a call for me.
(03:48):
Because even when I got to apoint where I had to go to
university, my priority was law.
I wanted to become an attorney.
And that's more of an advocacy.
role as well.
So it's more or less.
I was on the boundary off of mycall, but then my first choice
was, a low dream.
(04:09):
A bachelor of laws and secondpriority was becoming.
Psychologist.
So I did my junior years andstill I have not discovered
that, this is my path.
Only when I was doing mymaster's as a clinical
psychologist.
That's when I had a wake up thatit is my call.
(04:29):
I've been called to as a healer.
And I also discovered that Icome from a generation of
healers as well.
So at that point, that's when Iwas bringing one and one
together.
And I was like, at least I didnot, get lost.
It's bad to get lost far awayfrom what you're called to do,
because throughout the years youwill then grow up frustrated and
(04:51):
not having that sense ofsatisfaction in terms of your
career.
I'm not happy about it becauseyou're not aligned.
the moment I got awakened that,I am from a generation of
healers and I've been called asa healer as well.
And here I am training a yearaway from my graduation as a
clinical psychologist.
And it was just amazing becausefrom that point I knew that,
(05:16):
okay, I'm in the right path.
This is what I'm born to do.
But now I think throughout mycareer, the challenge that I've
always had was that we know thetrainings that we have, it's
westernized and here you are inan African context and all the
challenges that come on yourdesk all the time are African
(05:39):
related, because, in Africa,we've got different cultural
backgrounds.
And how we conceptualize mentalhealth.
It differs.
So there's a lot of redress thatI picked up needs to be done.
And, to try and find my feet.
So it was an exciting momentfirst for me to discover that.
(05:59):
Malibu, you are called by God toheal his people.
And now you are, in the contextof the world, a clinical
psychologist.
So for me, I understood it as,because God knew this is what he
has called me for.
There is a physical or a worldlyway of me being recognized as
that person.
(06:20):
So I had to find a better way ofmerging the two, it's difficult
to say to someone that no, I'mcalled as a healer, or I can
help people, I can, I'm atherapist.
The first thing they will askyou is, are you registered?
Those kind of questions.
Because we have people who stillbelieve that for one to be able
(06:41):
to do something, there must besome form of training.
Hence.
We don't most people stillstruggle with relying fully on
gifts to say, I'm a healer.
I'm gifted as a healer.
And someone comes and say, I'mqualified.
I've got a PhD in psychology.
They will mostly when you've gota PhD highly, hold you up to
(07:01):
say, okay, this is aprofessional.
But the two is the same.
It's just a matter of, like Isaid, issues of redressing, the
whole, of being a therapistwithin an African or South
African context.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01- (07:13):
Yeah.
how amazing you thought tobecome a lawyer, do something in
law and only to walk into yourcall as a clinical psychologist,
as a healer and learning thatwithin your family bloodline
generation, there's beenmultiple healers before you and
(07:34):
to your point, you're absolutelyright.
Whether we're in the continentor we're in the diaspora.
There's this one perspectivewhen you go to school and you
have the formal Westerneducation, and when you don't go
to school and you just havelived experience, what do you do
with that?
So what was it like for you?
Because some, someone might belistening to you, someone
(07:56):
somewhere.
My say, you know what?
I want to become a clinicalpsychologist.
This woman is powerful.
She's doing an amazing thing.
What is one thing you'll suggestor recommend to someone who
wants to follow in yourfootsteps in South Africa, in
the continent, that wants tobecome a clinical psychologist?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (08:14):
For me, clinical psychology is a
call.
Why is it a call?
Because you are going to beworking with human beings on a
daily basis.
And we know that for you to beable to even understand where
what is it that is a challengein their lives.
You must have a betterunderstanding of their
(08:36):
backgrounds.
So it's very important that ifyou want to go into clinical
psychology, establish first, onemust have established first,
what is it that you arepassionate about?
There must be a connection.
The same way one is able toidentify a particular sport.
It's because no matter what,whether you don't even want to
(08:57):
miss the game because you, thereis some level of connection
between you and that thing thatmust exist.
And in that the kind of work youdo as a therapist, it has to
come naturally.
Even when I was still in primaryschool that I found myself
amongst young other kids whoneeded help.
(09:17):
when people want to ask mesomething or advice, they will
be approaching me.
But because then I was stillyoung, I never had that
understanding.
But it's more of attractingsomething that was inside of me.
So there must be something thatresonates with you when it comes
to psychology, because Weprovide healing.
(09:38):
Basically, that's what we do.
It's healing one comes.
Depression for that matter.
They are dead, not for any otherthing, but healing.
And now you need to go andunderstand what is inside
healing when we talk abouthealing.
What is it?
Because now it means you beingable to do something for someone
(10:00):
that will eventually changeeverything around them.
There's something that resonateswith you.
For what purpose?
Because we've seen that in thegrowing ages, most people decide
I want to be a therapist.
Why?
Because they are financiallymotivated.
Some is a matter of socialstatus.
I want to be known as apsychologist.
(10:20):
I want to be known as a doctor.
But what is it at the core ofyour spirit?
Connect to because that's,that's where you're going to get
satisfaction.
That's where, your potentiallies, it's more like that's
where your key to every door islying.
So until that point where youlocated that key, you will keep
on knocking on all doors and youcan't even find your own niche
(10:43):
in the profession.
Because even with myself, afterI Even when discovering that I
am called for this, still had tobe aware of the kind of clients
that are attracted for thatmatter.
For me also in the profession,there is no jack of all trades
that, four in one, and itdoesn't work like that.
(11:03):
So I've grown short in theprofession to understand as a
healer, what is it that I'mcalled for.
So hence I have a particulargroup of cases that I attracted
the same way that we've got adietitian or you've got a
pediatrician.
It's similar like that in the,clinical psychology.
So it's very important that youget to understand.
(11:24):
I think going into clinicalpsychology, understand yourself
first, because another thingthat I've realized in the field
is that if you lack that, you'llcome across a lot of triggers
and you know you come across alot of triggers and when you're
not ready you end up causingeven more harm not only for the
client but also for yourselfit's only when you are ready to
(11:45):
say let me work on that why isit surfacing so much sometimes
you find that you are called forrelationships for example and
you've had a chain of failedrelationships you And clients
that are triggering you.
It's very important that youwork on that because it is your
forte, but you need to nurtureit by first healing yourself so
(12:06):
that you can become an efficienthealer.
So it works more on you than theclient because it requires more
of a personal Which is an insidejourney and we know most of us,
we don't like doing that innerwork.
So it's very important when youwant to go into clinical
psychology, you first discoverwhere you come from, who are
(12:28):
you, your lineage, understandyour lineage very much because
you can never be a mango on anorange tree.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2024 (12:35):
I think being called to the field
is super powerful or beingpulled to the field is super
powerful because you're going tobe meeting people in their
lives.
you're going to be helping themin some difficult moments.
And if you're not passionateabout this, if this is not part
of the fiber that makes you whoyou are, will be really
(12:57):
difficult for you and the peopleyou work with because they're
coming to you for you to helpand support them during this
season.
And if we're just in it for atitle status, if we're just in
it for social economics status,Not only is that person going to
suffer, the individuals they'reworking with are also going to
suffer.
(13:17):
So I love that you say you needto know this is something you
want.
Whenever you are a mental healthspecialist, whenever you are a
mental health provider in thefield, please believe that every
person you come across It'sgoing to help you do your own
work, whether or not you want todo your own work, Let's talk
about you being a business womanand a healer.
(13:39):
How are you doing all of that?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01-20 (13:41):
I don't know really how I'm also,
getting myself involved in somany things.
But like I said very resilient.
And, I'm a go getter.
I am a generator.
I want to get things done.
I always want to do something.
But also being into business, ithasn't been something that is
foreign to me.
I also come from that lineage aswell.
(14:02):
My great, parents being intobusiness.
So they've been known also to bebusiness people as well.
So my interest into beinggetting into business as well,
it's something that I've alwayscarried with me.
So I didn't just wake up andsay, I want to be a business
woman.
I've always been for impact thatwhen I die, I want, what is it
(14:26):
that I want to be known for?
And for me at the center ofeverything I do, it's a
redemptive work.
I'm all about impact.
Touching people's lives.
That's what I want to be knownfor changing people's lives.
Being a woman that is known forbringing transformation and
advocacy as well.
(14:46):
Standing in the gap for thosethat cannot speak for
themselves.
I think that's where initially Ihad wanted to be a lawyer.
Because I possessed that qualityof wanting to speak for myself
and speak the truth.
That's what I stand for.
And I think it's one of thethings that I've seen over the
years as I was growing that withme, nothing lies and revealed.
(15:07):
So exposing everything that hasbeen hidden.
It has always been somethingthat has been following me from
childhood until now.
So for me, being in business,it's, it was not also for
personal gain, and though weknow these are some of the
things that will follow you aswell, when you grow in business,
but also to change people'slives, to make a mark.
(15:29):
And create something that otherpeople as well can follow
through or, because I'm inbusiness.
And what we do is employeehealth and wellness.
I don't need to be here to getthe work done, because I have a
people or I have a group of ateam that works with me.
So this is something that evenwhen I pass on, it's a kind of
(15:52):
work that will continue evenwhen I'm not here.
The same work that we do atAction for Change.
As an NPO, this is a work thatneeds to continue.
Something that not only stayswith me, but it's something that
I'm able to share with othersand bring them in to say, this
is how you get it done.
This is me.
(16:12):
These are my values.
I don't like to gather aroundpeople and their lives don't
change.
When you are with me, somethingmust definitely change.
So everything that I do inprivate practice and business is
redemptive to say there must bework that is done for those that
cannot do anything for themself.
(16:33):
Hence, even some of the thingswe do in the business is
providing mental health.
services for those that cannotafford for it, like in villages,
we do community projects becausemental health issues is still a
stigma in our communities.
So raising awareness to go tothat level, it requires that you
extend yourself to provide suchservices to bring more awareness
(16:58):
and understanding of what mentalhealth issues are.
How does one get to know thatthey need to go for counseling?
Because remember, in sort ofMuslim context, we are raised
with a background to say, youdon't have to let anybody know
what you're going through.
It's like it's still a taboo tobe telling other people sharing
(17:18):
your programs with other people.
But we've seen that with theever changing times now, it's
very important that we bring alot of awareness so that more
lives are saved.
That's what matters to me also,More lives are saved.
If there's anything that I cando, even if it's a life a day
that I can change, for me it'sbetter than nothing.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2024 (17:39):
I think that's powerful knowing
that you're helping people notonly in the work field, but also
people that are in the villagearea.
So tell us about, Richele HealthGroup.
What other services do youoffer?
What are the group of peoplethat you work with?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (17:56):
Our Racial Health Group is an
employee health and wellnessbusiness.
And most of our clients arecorporate and government
departments.
So what we do, we provide mentalhealth services to employees,
for them to be productive.
'cause we know that, there mustbe a work-life balance.
And as a result, you cannot beexcelling at work.
(18:17):
But there is.
issues at home.
So as an employee health andwellness service provider, we
strive to provide a balance foremployees to be able to function
within their work environment,their social environment, their
personal environment for thosewho are in marriages, those who
are in relationship and at thesame time to still be able to
(18:38):
function individually.
So hence, our client base ismostly.
government departments in SouthAfrica, as well as private
companies in South Africa thatwe are servicing at the moment.
And we also service individualsas well.
In terms of me operatingprivately to seek counseling,
but also I've got a team ofsocial workers, registered
(18:59):
counselors as well, and alsoclinical psychologists,
industrial psychologists, thatalso work with us to provide a
holistic service.
Because we know that with eachand every profession, there are
limitations.
Hence, we've got registeredcounselors, we've got social
workers, we've got industrialpsychologists, as well as
research psychologists, becausewhat we pride ourselves with at
(19:20):
Rishela is that.
We, we believe that the world,the environment is constantly in
transformation.
So hence any method that hasbeen used 10 years ago might not
be applicable to the contextright now.
So with us having researchpsychologists, they assist a
great deal because they areconstantly researching our treat
treatment approaches.
(19:41):
Even the kind of workshops ortrainings that we provide.
And this will rely mostly.
On the database or the feedbackthat we get from all these
government departments, where weprovide services and private
companies, where we are able tokeep track that, okay, the kind
of programs that we've beenrunning with these departments
are these programs effective.
(20:03):
If not, what is it that we needto change?
Because remember, contexts aredifferent, and on top of that,
individuals are different.
What might work for male labelmight not work for comfort, for
example.
So we need to collaborate allthat and come back with services
that are context specific, thatwhat's matters us we don't
(20:23):
provide a one size fits kind ofapproach.
That's not what we do atRichelieu.
So we take into considerationdifferent context and what is it
that we can provide specificallyfor a certain person or for a
certain department to try andmake sure that at the end of the
day, it's all about impact.
There must be change.
If we are there and there isn'tchange, it means there is
(20:44):
something as a business.
we're not doing or that we'renot seeing.
So hence it's very important tohave research psychologist with
us who are constantly reviewingall our treatment modalities,
whether they are working for theenvironment, whether there's
anything new that we need toadjust.
Hence being within the SouthAfrican context for that matter.
(21:05):
We cannot fully rely on Westernmethods.
Because those two contexts aredifferent and how mental illness
is understood in the Western wayis different to how in South
Africa, we understand mentalillness.
So we need to make room forthat.
Why?
So that we are able to targetand address challenges in a more
(21:26):
effective, professional andethical way.
And as a result, I think alsothis is also helping us with
coming up with new modalities oftreatment, which are South
African, based for SouthAfricans as well.
And we also, our researchpsychologist, they contribute to
us the body of knowledge.
Because they will go and attendyour conferences, both locally
(21:47):
and internationally.
Because for us is that we cannotpresent a paper with addressing
hypothesis and saying this isthe conclusion.
And these are therecommendations and we sit with
the recommendations.
We don't practice them.
So what we do is that everyresearch that is done, we make
sure that if we come up with newstrategies.
(22:07):
We do put them into practice tosee what is it that we can do to
make our context better.
And also, at the end of the dayeveryone that we deal with on a
daily basis, they're able tobecome their better self because
we all know that you can onlythrive if you are well
understood.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2 (22:24):
Mhm.
Yeah, I think there's so muchpower and knowing that your team
is rich in both people in thecommunity and in the private
sector.
But to what you said, we have alot of modalities, we have a lot
of approaches, we have a lot oftheories that were never based
on research on Africans.
(22:44):
And still being able to do thework ourselves to arrive at more
and new modalities andapproaches for African people by
African people is what we'reseeing, right?
That's the rise of that.
And you're a part of that work,which I think is a wonderful
thing.
What would you say?
(23:05):
the best advice you havereceived as it relates to being
an African in this field.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01 (23:11):
It's a lot.
But the most key one was that mylabel, you need to discover who
you are.
And once we discover that, neverbe ashamed to reveal that young
woman in you and live as that.
Because the world will bring alot of things to my attention.
But if you know who you are andwhat you stand for, you'll be
(23:33):
able to filter yourself throughthat.
Because most of the time we growto become what the world throws
at us, hence destroying andkilling and silencing.
What is inside of us.
So that is one thing that Ialways push for us and treasure
to be myself and to stand formyself and make space.
(23:55):
For who I am.
I'm an African, and there's somuch that one can do as an
African, and I believe that anyother thing that is meant to
make me great is in Africa.
It's nowhere else.
It's in Africa.
The moment I fully unleash it,that's what I can present to the
world.
Instead of taking what the worldis presenting and wanting to
(24:17):
bring it to my country, it'smore of belittling myself, and
that is something that I'm noteven prepared to do.
But it's to speak my voice andstand for what I believe in.
So for me, I know that whateverit is that out there, that is
needed.
Any other person is needing.
We've got that potential tobring it out to the world, but
(24:38):
the challenge is that many ofus, we are looking out there for
that thing, whereas it's insideof us.
I think it's all about embracingwhere we are and where we come
from and not to shy away fromit.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01- (24:49):
Yeah.
That is such power.
the beauty to tap within, knowthat you're enough, know that
you can trust yourself and knowthat what you need, it's around
you.
It's just about activating itand sharing it with the world.
What comes to mind when you hearadvancing mental health in the
(25:10):
African community?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (25:12):
For me, it's a question of how many
people are there, how manytherapists are out there in
Africa who are standing out Andbring about the knowledge that
they know and sharing it amongstthose that they gather.
Or how many therapists arethere, alternatively, who are
willing to receive back from thecommunity what they are saying.
(25:36):
Because remember, feedback willalways be feedback.
And as a therapist, we can alsolearn, and we learn a lot
actually from the environment,because it's not everything that
we can see.
It's not everything that we canunderstand.
But those that are constantly incontact with the environment are
able to give you feedback.
(25:57):
And I think what is happeningcurrently, in our communities is
that there's so much mentalhealth related challenges that
are taking place.
Of gender based violence, it'san issue on the surface.
There's underlying psychologicalrelated issues that are not
addressed.
There are so many types ofcrimes that are taking place,
(26:20):
which have the psychologicalbasis.
And I think there's a lot ofgroundwork that needs to be done
in communities.
What we're seeing is actually atip of the iceberg, but we don't
have the ground workers becauseevery one of us, we want to be
on the limelight.
We want to write papers, we wantto be seen, being given
(26:40):
accolades, but with all thisresearch that we do, getting
accolades from them, we never goback to these communities and
try and provide solutions.
Because that's what we aresitting with.
The number, when we look at thenumber of papers that are
presented in conferencesthroughout the years.
If those papers, after beingpresented, we were going to go
(27:01):
back to those communities andprovide solutions, a lot of
things would have changed bynow.
But, you look at that, yourealize that most of the work
that has been done it'sindividualized.
Your name being known, I'vewritten a number of papers, I've
submitted so many abstracts, Iget a promotion from doctor to
professor.
(27:22):
It's because of that.
That's how we get promotions.
We don't get, you don't get tobe a professor because you've
been doing so many things in thecommunity.
You've changed it.
No.
It's because of you've beenwriting so many papers over the
years and presenting thosepapers.
And then you get the promotionto be a professor.
So we need to get to a pointwhere we get to translate all
(27:44):
the scientific work that we do.
We've got therapists who aretrained and they are swayed into
that direction.
But at the same time, they wantto define themselves as
therapists.
But most of the work that theydo is scientific.
So we need to find a point wherewe get to match the two and
(28:04):
become more effective andunleash all the challenges that
are there.
But obviously, this is for thebrave, I must say.
So in the beginning, I said, youneed to understand yourself.
Why do you want to be a clinicalpsychologist?
That is why during our training,we'll be giving a point at the
end of our training to go for aninternship.
They say, go do community workbecause yes, in the background,
(28:26):
there is that understanding thatthis is community work.
But once you qualify, all of us,we are stuck in our offices and
everyone must just come and findus here, just waiting for them.
Whereas it's a community work.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2024 (28:39):
I think that's the other thing is
not only are some research beingdone for personal gains, and we
don't want to say every singleperson out there that's doing
research is for personal gain.
We know that's not the case, butwe know that there's a huge
number of people that are doingresearch on children, on adults,
on the African people ingeneral, sometimes this could be
(28:59):
Africans.
these people that are doing theresearch are not Africans.
And I think this podcast, whenyou're listening to it, and when
someone shared this with you,really ask yourself, genuinely,
without no one knowing, in yourmind and in your heart, what is
your genuine reason for going todo this research?
And once you do get the resultsfrom your research, how are you
(29:22):
going back to make change?
Dr.
Malibu please share with us thegiveaway that you have
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01 (29:27):
When I do my talks, people would like
to consult with me.
What we will do is we can offer,maximum of five individuals,
those who feel that, they've gotpressing issues, we've got
people with pressing issues andthey cannot afford.
The challenge we've been talkingabout, is that we've got
(29:47):
Africans who've got issues thatare not only.
Influenced about by whateversituations they have, but also
their cultural background playsa major role in where they are
at that particular point.
And it would require someone whowould be able to open themselves
up to listen to that becausesometimes I've seen it even
(30:11):
through practice that.
Sometimes you don't have to domuch, but creating space for
that, which is unknown to you,but mostly known to the person.
And that's where they derivemeaning.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2 (30:21):
Yes.
Yeah.
And so with that, one otherthing is the action for change.
Can you please, share withpeople who might need that
support, how they can get, helpthrough the action for change.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01 (30:33):
What we do with action for change is,
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation.
And this came out of my PhD wason substance abuse.
In particular, Nyaope.
Nyaope is a drug that is moredominant in South Africa.
Very brutal.
that's what motivated me.
And I did my PhD on that afteryears of working at different
(30:54):
rehabilitation centers, I wentfor my PhD on that.
And after that's when Iestablished Action for Change,
where I've created programs.
For substance abuserehabilitation and programs for
both inpatient and outpatients,services.
So if anyone is interested inunderstanding more about action
for change, they can go on ourwebsite.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2 (31:16):
What do you feel like you will want
our listeners to take away fromyou today?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (31:20):
The importance of authenticity in
life.
Because I think if I would havechosen to be all these other
people that I've met in my life,I wouldn't be here.
Because discovering who I am andremaining authentic to my gift
is one thing that is propellingme on a daily basis.
To become the strong woman I amtoday and still pushing me ahead
(31:43):
that I want to see myself as oneof those therapies, even if not
a therapist, but business womenin Africa who are standing up
for Africans and addressingAfrican related issues and even
at the point of derivingpolicies within the African
context, suitable for Africanpeople in an African way.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-20 (32:04):
Dr.
Malibu, thank you so much.
was extremely powerful.
I learned so much.
Thank you for gracing us withyour presence today.
Thank you.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09- (32:15):
You're welcome.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-20 (32:16):
All right, everyone.
Catch you on the next episode.
Thank you for listening.
We hope to see you on the nextepisode.
This is Equipped to Prosper.
The podcast.
Visit equipped to prosper.com,the find an African mentor
provider therapy assistance, andstill much more.
Remember that you are equippedto prosper.
Welcome to Equip to Prosper, thepodcast where we inspire and
promote mental health in theAfrican community so that you
can prosper in health.
Together, we're going to learnthat our cultural and spiritual
health are just as important asour mental health.
And our emotional health, wechat with African mental health
professionals, business owners,and expert in the African
(00:25):
community to give you theresources needed to shift the
way you view mental health andtherapy.
I am your host, Comfort YuswaWiafe.
I am a therapist and the founderof Equip to Prosper.
Let's talk together.
Let's heal together.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-0 (00:44):
Welcome everyone back to another episode
of Equip to Prosper, thepodcast.
I am Comfort Yuswa Wiafe.
Thank you so much for joining ustoday.
Today we're talking to anamazing person in the healthcare
field.
That's inside Africa.
She's killing it.
She's doing an amazing worktoday.
We're talking to Dr.
(01:05):
Malibu Maseba.
Welcome doctor.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01-2 (01:09):
so much.
Thank you.
It's good to be here.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01 (01:13):
You're welcome.
So today we're talking aboutthe, just the power of being a
clinical psychologist in thehealthcare field.
But not just the clinicalpsychologist and African
clinical psychologists.
We know that a lot of what wesee and hear about therapy seem
to be Westernized and Westernfocused, but as humans, everyone
(01:35):
deal with mental health.
And so to have a clinicalpsychologist, that's African
doing amazing work in SouthAfrica.
the main reason for us to gether on here today.
So I'm just going to go aheadand share a little bit about who
she is, and then we're going toget right into it.
Dr.
Malibu Maseba is a clinicalpsychologist.
She is the founder of RichelaHealth Group, which focuses on
(01:58):
addressing mental wellness.
She is the founder of Action forChange, a non profit that
focuses on addressing substanceabuse and addiction amongst the
young people in the Africancommunity.
Fun fact, she is fluent inalmost all South African
languages.
That's amazing.
I think there's about 11languages.
(02:20):
So the fact that she's flowingin almost all of them speaks
volume to who she is as a woman,as a person, Dr.
Mashaba is so amazing to haveyou here.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-0 (02:31):
Thank you so much.
I must say that out of all those11 languages, as a therapist
would be the ones that youmostly are exposed to,
especially it will be moredependent on the kind of a
client that you have, which mostmostly English Zulu, Xhosa,
Avenda, Xitonga, Situana, andalso Africans speaking as well.
(02:58):
And I must say it's because ofthe diversity of the country
that one is a therapist to findyourself in.
So it's quite interestingbecause as a therapist as well,
you also, Learning and gettingexposure to different kinds of
languages and people'sbackgrounds as well.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01- (03:16):
Yeah.
Yeah.
Please tell us how you got intobecoming a clinical
psychologist.
Is this something you alwayswanted to do as a child or did
you stumble upon it in yourcollege years?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01-20 (03:28):
I remember when I was a child,
while I was in primary school, Iwas all the time, bringing other
kids with me at home, especiallythose who were seemed to be
destitute.
And I had a love for people andalways wanted to care for them
and love them.
But I wasn't aware that therewas a call for me.
(03:48):
Because even when I got to apoint where I had to go to
university, my priority was law.
I wanted to become an attorney.
And that's more of an advocacy.
role as well.
So it's more or less.
I was on the boundary off of mycall, but then my first choice
was, a low dream.
(04:09):
A bachelor of laws and secondpriority was becoming.
Psychologist.
So I did my junior years andstill I have not discovered
that, this is my path.
Only when I was doing mymaster's as a clinical
psychologist.
That's when I had a wake up thatit is my call.
(04:29):
I've been called to as a healer.
And I also discovered that Icome from a generation of
healers as well.
So at that point, that's when Iwas bringing one and one
together.
And I was like, at least I didnot, get lost.
It's bad to get lost far awayfrom what you're called to do,
because throughout the years youwill then grow up frustrated and
(04:51):
not having that sense ofsatisfaction in terms of your
career.
I'm not happy about it becauseyou're not aligned.
the moment I got awakened that,I am from a generation of
healers and I've been called asa healer as well.
And here I am training a yearaway from my graduation as a
clinical psychologist.
And it was just amazing becausefrom that point I knew that,
(05:16):
okay, I'm in the right path.
This is what I'm born to do.
But now I think throughout mycareer, the challenge that I've
always had was that we know thetrainings that we have, it's
westernized and here you are inan African context and all the
challenges that come on yourdesk all the time are African
(05:39):
related, because, in Africa,we've got different cultural
backgrounds.
And how we conceptualize mentalhealth.
It differs.
So there's a lot of redress thatI picked up needs to be done.
And, to try and find my feet.
So it was an exciting momentfirst for me to discover that.
(05:59):
Malibu, you are called by God toheal his people.
And now you are, in the contextof the world, a clinical
psychologist.
So for me, I understood it as,because God knew this is what he
has called me for.
There is a physical or a worldlyway of me being recognized as
that person.
(06:20):
So I had to find a better way ofmerging the two, it's difficult
to say to someone that no, I'mcalled as a healer, or I can
help people, I can, I'm atherapist.
The first thing they will askyou is, are you registered?
Those kind of questions.
Because we have people who stillbelieve that for one to be able
(06:41):
to do something, there must besome form of training.
Hence.
We don't most people stillstruggle with relying fully on
gifts to say, I'm a healer.
I'm gifted as a healer.
And someone comes and say, I'mqualified.
I've got a PhD in psychology.
They will mostly when you've gota PhD highly, hold you up to
(07:01):
say, okay, this is aprofessional.
But the two is the same.
It's just a matter of, like Isaid, issues of redressing, the
whole, of being a therapistwithin an African or South
African context.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01- (07:13):
Yeah.
how amazing you thought tobecome a lawyer, do something in
law and only to walk into yourcall as a clinical psychologist,
as a healer and learning thatwithin your family bloodline
generation, there's beenmultiple healers before you and
(07:34):
to your point, you're absolutelyright.
Whether we're in the continentor we're in the diaspora.
There's this one perspectivewhen you go to school and you
have the formal Westerneducation, and when you don't go
to school and you just havelived experience, what do you do
with that?
So what was it like for you?
Because some, someone might belistening to you, someone
(07:56):
somewhere.
My say, you know what?
I want to become a clinicalpsychologist.
This woman is powerful.
She's doing an amazing thing.
What is one thing you'll suggestor recommend to someone who
wants to follow in yourfootsteps in South Africa, in
the continent, that wants tobecome a clinical psychologist?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (08:14):
For me, clinical psychology is a
call.
Why is it a call?
Because you are going to beworking with human beings on a
daily basis.
And we know that for you to beable to even understand where
what is it that is a challengein their lives.
You must have a betterunderstanding of their
(08:36):
backgrounds.
So it's very important that ifyou want to go into clinical
psychology, establish first, onemust have established first,
what is it that you arepassionate about?
There must be a connection.
The same way one is able toidentify a particular sport.
It's because no matter what,whether you don't even want to
(08:57):
miss the game because you, thereis some level of connection
between you and that thing thatmust exist.
And in that the kind of work youdo as a therapist, it has to
come naturally.
Even when I was still in primaryschool that I found myself
amongst young other kids whoneeded help.
(09:17):
when people want to ask mesomething or advice, they will
be approaching me.
But because then I was stillyoung, I never had that
understanding.
But it's more of attractingsomething that was inside of me.
So there must be something thatresonates with you when it comes
to psychology, because Weprovide healing.
(09:38):
Basically, that's what we do.
It's healing one comes.
Depression for that matter.
They are dead, not for any otherthing, but healing.
And now you need to go andunderstand what is inside
healing when we talk abouthealing.
What is it?
Because now it means you beingable to do something for someone
(10:00):
that will eventually changeeverything around them.
There's something that resonateswith you.
For what purpose?
Because we've seen that in thegrowing ages, most people decide
I want to be a therapist.
Why?
Because they are financiallymotivated.
Some is a matter of socialstatus.
I want to be known as apsychologist.
(10:20):
I want to be known as a doctor.
But what is it at the core ofyour spirit?
Connect to because that's,that's where you're going to get
satisfaction.
That's where, your potentiallies, it's more like that's
where your key to every door islying.
So until that point where youlocated that key, you will keep
on knocking on all doors and youcan't even find your own niche
(10:43):
in the profession.
Because even with myself, afterI Even when discovering that I
am called for this, still had tobe aware of the kind of clients
that are attracted for thatmatter.
For me also in the profession,there is no jack of all trades
that, four in one, and itdoesn't work like that.
(11:03):
So I've grown short in theprofession to understand as a
healer, what is it that I'mcalled for.
So hence I have a particulargroup of cases that I attracted
the same way that we've got adietitian or you've got a
pediatrician.
It's similar like that in the,clinical psychology.
So it's very important that youget to understand.
(11:24):
I think going into clinicalpsychology, understand yourself
first, because another thingthat I've realized in the field
is that if you lack that, you'llcome across a lot of triggers
and you know you come across alot of triggers and when you're
not ready you end up causingeven more harm not only for the
client but also for yourselfit's only when you are ready to
(11:45):
say let me work on that why isit surfacing so much sometimes
you find that you are called forrelationships for example and
you've had a chain of failedrelationships you And clients
that are triggering you.
It's very important that youwork on that because it is your
forte, but you need to nurtureit by first healing yourself so
(12:06):
that you can become an efficienthealer.
So it works more on you than theclient because it requires more
of a personal Which is an insidejourney and we know most of us,
we don't like doing that innerwork.
So it's very important when youwant to go into clinical
psychology, you first discoverwhere you come from, who are
(12:28):
you, your lineage, understandyour lineage very much because
you can never be a mango on anorange tree.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2024 (12:35):
I think being called to the field
is super powerful or beingpulled to the field is super
powerful because you're going tobe meeting people in their
lives.
you're going to be helping themin some difficult moments.
And if you're not passionateabout this, if this is not part
of the fiber that makes you whoyou are, will be really
(12:57):
difficult for you and the peopleyou work with because they're
coming to you for you to helpand support them during this
season.
And if we're just in it for atitle status, if we're just in
it for social economics status,Not only is that person going to
suffer, the individuals they'reworking with are also going to
suffer.
(13:17):
So I love that you say you needto know this is something you
want.
Whenever you are a mental healthspecialist, whenever you are a
mental health provider in thefield, please believe that every
person you come across It'sgoing to help you do your own
work, whether or not you want todo your own work, Let's talk
about you being a business womanand a healer.
(13:39):
How are you doing all of that?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01-20 (13:41):
I don't know really how I'm also,
getting myself involved in somany things.
But like I said very resilient.
And, I'm a go getter.
I am a generator.
I want to get things done.
I always want to do something.
But also being into business, ithasn't been something that is
foreign to me.
I also come from that lineage aswell.
(14:02):
My great, parents being intobusiness.
So they've been known also to bebusiness people as well.
So my interest into beinggetting into business as well,
it's something that I've alwayscarried with me.
So I didn't just wake up andsay, I want to be a business
woman.
I've always been for impact thatwhen I die, I want, what is it
(14:26):
that I want to be known for?
And for me at the center ofeverything I do, it's a
redemptive work.
I'm all about impact.
Touching people's lives.
That's what I want to be knownfor changing people's lives.
Being a woman that is known forbringing transformation and
advocacy as well.
(14:46):
Standing in the gap for thosethat cannot speak for
themselves.
I think that's where initially Ihad wanted to be a lawyer.
Because I possessed that qualityof wanting to speak for myself
and speak the truth.
That's what I stand for.
And I think it's one of thethings that I've seen over the
years as I was growing that withme, nothing lies and revealed.
(15:07):
So exposing everything that hasbeen hidden.
It has always been somethingthat has been following me from
childhood until now.
So for me, being in business,it's, it was not also for
personal gain, and though weknow these are some of the
things that will follow you aswell, when you grow in business,
but also to change people'slives, to make a mark.
(15:29):
And create something that otherpeople as well can follow
through or, because I'm inbusiness.
And what we do is employeehealth and wellness.
I don't need to be here to getthe work done, because I have a
people or I have a group of ateam that works with me.
So this is something that evenwhen I pass on, it's a kind of
(15:52):
work that will continue evenwhen I'm not here.
The same work that we do atAction for Change.
As an NPO, this is a work thatneeds to continue.
Something that not only stayswith me, but it's something that
I'm able to share with othersand bring them in to say, this
is how you get it done.
This is me.
(16:12):
These are my values.
I don't like to gather aroundpeople and their lives don't
change.
When you are with me, somethingmust definitely change.
So everything that I do inprivate practice and business is
redemptive to say there must bework that is done for those that
cannot do anything for themself.
(16:33):
Hence, even some of the thingswe do in the business is
providing mental health.
services for those that cannotafford for it, like in villages,
we do community projects becausemental health issues is still a
stigma in our communities.
So raising awareness to go tothat level, it requires that you
extend yourself to provide suchservices to bring more awareness
(16:58):
and understanding of what mentalhealth issues are.
How does one get to know thatthey need to go for counseling?
Because remember, in sort ofMuslim context, we are raised
with a background to say, youdon't have to let anybody know
what you're going through.
It's like it's still a taboo tobe telling other people sharing
(17:18):
your programs with other people.
But we've seen that with theever changing times now, it's
very important that we bring alot of awareness so that more
lives are saved.
That's what matters to me also,More lives are saved.
If there's anything that I cando, even if it's a life a day
that I can change, for me it'sbetter than nothing.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2024 (17:39):
I think that's powerful knowing
that you're helping people notonly in the work field, but also
people that are in the villagearea.
So tell us about, Richele HealthGroup.
What other services do youoffer?
What are the group of peoplethat you work with?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (17:56):
Our Racial Health Group is an
employee health and wellnessbusiness.
And most of our clients arecorporate and government
departments.
So what we do, we provide mentalhealth services to employees,
for them to be productive.
'cause we know that, there mustbe a work-life balance.
And as a result, you cannot beexcelling at work.
(18:17):
But there is.
issues at home.
So as an employee health andwellness service provider, we
strive to provide a balance foremployees to be able to function
within their work environment,their social environment, their
personal environment for thosewho are in marriages, those who
are in relationship and at thesame time to still be able to
(18:38):
function individually.
So hence, our client base ismostly.
government departments in SouthAfrica, as well as private
companies in South Africa thatwe are servicing at the moment.
And we also service individualsas well.
In terms of me operatingprivately to seek counseling,
but also I've got a team ofsocial workers, registered
(18:59):
counselors as well, and alsoclinical psychologists,
industrial psychologists, thatalso work with us to provide a
holistic service.
Because we know that with eachand every profession, there are
limitations.
Hence, we've got registeredcounselors, we've got social
workers, we've got industrialpsychologists, as well as
research psychologists, becausewhat we pride ourselves with at
(19:20):
Rishela is that.
We, we believe that the world,the environment is constantly in
transformation.
So hence any method that hasbeen used 10 years ago might not
be applicable to the contextright now.
So with us having researchpsychologists, they assist a
great deal because they areconstantly researching our treat
treatment approaches.
(19:41):
Even the kind of workshops ortrainings that we provide.
And this will rely mostly.
On the database or the feedbackthat we get from all these
government departments, where weprovide services and private
companies, where we are able tokeep track that, okay, the kind
of programs that we've beenrunning with these departments
are these programs effective.
(20:03):
If not, what is it that we needto change?
Because remember, contexts aredifferent, and on top of that,
individuals are different.
What might work for male labelmight not work for comfort, for
example.
So we need to collaborate allthat and come back with services
that are context specific, thatwhat's matters us we don't
(20:23):
provide a one size fits kind ofapproach.
That's not what we do atRichelieu.
So we take into considerationdifferent context and what is it
that we can provide specificallyfor a certain person or for a
certain department to try andmake sure that at the end of the
day, it's all about impact.
There must be change.
If we are there and there isn'tchange, it means there is
(20:44):
something as a business.
we're not doing or that we'renot seeing.
So hence it's very important tohave research psychologist with
us who are constantly reviewingall our treatment modalities,
whether they are working for theenvironment, whether there's
anything new that we need toadjust.
Hence being within the SouthAfrican context for that matter.
(21:05):
We cannot fully rely on Westernmethods.
Because those two contexts aredifferent and how mental illness
is understood in the Western wayis different to how in South
Africa, we understand mentalillness.
So we need to make room forthat.
Why?
So that we are able to targetand address challenges in a more
(21:26):
effective, professional andethical way.
And as a result, I think alsothis is also helping us with
coming up with new modalities oftreatment, which are South
African, based for SouthAfricans as well.
And we also, our researchpsychologist, they contribute to
us the body of knowledge.
Because they will go and attendyour conferences, both locally
(21:47):
and internationally.
Because for us is that we cannotpresent a paper with addressing
hypothesis and saying this isthe conclusion.
And these are therecommendations and we sit with
the recommendations.
We don't practice them.
So what we do is that everyresearch that is done, we make
sure that if we come up with newstrategies.
(22:07):
We do put them into practice tosee what is it that we can do to
make our context better.
And also, at the end of the dayeveryone that we deal with on a
daily basis, they're able tobecome their better self because
we all know that you can onlythrive if you are well
understood.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2 (22:24):
Mhm.
Yeah, I think there's so muchpower and knowing that your team
is rich in both people in thecommunity and in the private
sector.
But to what you said, we have alot of modalities, we have a lot
of approaches, we have a lot oftheories that were never based
on research on Africans.
(22:44):
And still being able to do thework ourselves to arrive at more
and new modalities andapproaches for African people by
African people is what we'reseeing, right?
That's the rise of that.
And you're a part of that work,which I think is a wonderful
thing.
What would you say?
(23:05):
the best advice you havereceived as it relates to being
an African in this field.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01 (23:11):
It's a lot.
But the most key one was that mylabel, you need to discover who
you are.
And once we discover that, neverbe ashamed to reveal that young
woman in you and live as that.
Because the world will bring alot of things to my attention.
But if you know who you are andwhat you stand for, you'll be
(23:33):
able to filter yourself throughthat.
Because most of the time we growto become what the world throws
at us, hence destroying andkilling and silencing.
What is inside of us.
So that is one thing that Ialways push for us and treasure
to be myself and to stand formyself and make space.
(23:55):
For who I am.
I'm an African, and there's somuch that one can do as an
African, and I believe that anyother thing that is meant to
make me great is in Africa.
It's nowhere else.
It's in Africa.
The moment I fully unleash it,that's what I can present to the
world.
Instead of taking what the worldis presenting and wanting to
(24:17):
bring it to my country, it'smore of belittling myself, and
that is something that I'm noteven prepared to do.
But it's to speak my voice andstand for what I believe in.
So for me, I know that whateverit is that out there, that is
needed.
Any other person is needing.
We've got that potential tobring it out to the world, but
(24:38):
the challenge is that many ofus, we are looking out there for
that thing, whereas it's insideof us.
I think it's all about embracingwhere we are and where we come
from and not to shy away fromit.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01- (24:49):
Yeah.
That is such power.
the beauty to tap within, knowthat you're enough, know that
you can trust yourself and knowthat what you need, it's around
you.
It's just about activating itand sharing it with the world.
What comes to mind when you hearadvancing mental health in the
(25:10):
African community?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (25:12):
For me, it's a question of how many
people are there, how manytherapists are out there in
Africa who are standing out Andbring about the knowledge that
they know and sharing it amongstthose that they gather.
Or how many therapists arethere, alternatively, who are
willing to receive back from thecommunity what they are saying.
(25:36):
Because remember, feedback willalways be feedback.
And as a therapist, we can alsolearn, and we learn a lot
actually from the environment,because it's not everything that
we can see.
It's not everything that we canunderstand.
But those that are constantly incontact with the environment are
able to give you feedback.
(25:57):
And I think what is happeningcurrently, in our communities is
that there's so much mentalhealth related challenges that
are taking place.
Of gender based violence, it'san issue on the surface.
There's underlying psychologicalrelated issues that are not
addressed.
There are so many types ofcrimes that are taking place,
(26:20):
which have the psychologicalbasis.
And I think there's a lot ofgroundwork that needs to be done
in communities.
What we're seeing is actually atip of the iceberg, but we don't
have the ground workers becauseevery one of us, we want to be
on the limelight.
We want to write papers, we wantto be seen, being given
(26:40):
accolades, but with all thisresearch that we do, getting
accolades from them, we never goback to these communities and
try and provide solutions.
Because that's what we aresitting with.
The number, when we look at thenumber of papers that are
presented in conferencesthroughout the years.
If those papers, after beingpresented, we were going to go
(27:01):
back to those communities andprovide solutions, a lot of
things would have changed bynow.
But, you look at that, yourealize that most of the work
that has been done it'sindividualized.
Your name being known, I'vewritten a number of papers, I've
submitted so many abstracts, Iget a promotion from doctor to
professor.
(27:22):
It's because of that.
That's how we get promotions.
We don't get, you don't get tobe a professor because you've
been doing so many things in thecommunity.
You've changed it.
No.
It's because of you've beenwriting so many papers over the
years and presenting thosepapers.
And then you get the promotionto be a professor.
So we need to get to a pointwhere we get to translate all
(27:44):
the scientific work that we do.
We've got therapists who aretrained and they are swayed into
that direction.
But at the same time, they wantto define themselves as
therapists.
But most of the work that theydo is scientific.
So we need to find a point wherewe get to match the two and
(28:04):
become more effective andunleash all the challenges that
are there.
But obviously, this is for thebrave, I must say.
So in the beginning, I said, youneed to understand yourself.
Why do you want to be a clinicalpsychologist?
That is why during our training,we'll be giving a point at the
end of our training to go for aninternship.
They say, go do community workbecause yes, in the background,
(28:26):
there is that understanding thatthis is community work.
But once you qualify, all of us,we are stuck in our offices and
everyone must just come and findus here, just waiting for them.
Whereas it's a community work.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2024 (28:39):
I think that's the other thing is
not only are some research beingdone for personal gains, and we
don't want to say every singleperson out there that's doing
research is for personal gain.
We know that's not the case, butwe know that there's a huge
number of people that are doingresearch on children, on adults,
on the African people ingeneral, sometimes this could be
(28:59):
Africans.
these people that are doing theresearch are not Africans.
And I think this podcast, whenyou're listening to it, and when
someone shared this with you,really ask yourself, genuinely,
without no one knowing, in yourmind and in your heart, what is
your genuine reason for going todo this research?
And once you do get the resultsfrom your research, how are you
(29:22):
going back to make change?
Dr.
Malibu please share with us thegiveaway that you have
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01 (29:27):
When I do my talks, people would like
to consult with me.
What we will do is we can offer,maximum of five individuals,
those who feel that, they've gotpressing issues, we've got
people with pressing issues andthey cannot afford.
The challenge we've been talkingabout, is that we've got
(29:47):
Africans who've got issues thatare not only.
Influenced about by whateversituations they have, but also
their cultural background playsa major role in where they are
at that particular point.
And it would require someone whowould be able to open themselves
up to listen to that becausesometimes I've seen it even
(30:11):
through practice that.
Sometimes you don't have to domuch, but creating space for
that, which is unknown to you,but mostly known to the person.
And that's where they derivemeaning.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2 (30:21):
Yes.
Yeah.
And so with that, one otherthing is the action for change.
Can you please, share withpeople who might need that
support, how they can get, helpthrough the action for change.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01 (30:33):
What we do with action for change is,
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation.
And this came out of my PhD wason substance abuse.
In particular, Nyaope.
Nyaope is a drug that is moredominant in South Africa.
Very brutal.
that's what motivated me.
And I did my PhD on that afteryears of working at different
(30:54):
rehabilitation centers, I wentfor my PhD on that.
And after that's when Iestablished Action for Change,
where I've created programs.
For substance abuserehabilitation and programs for
both inpatient and outpatients,services.
So if anyone is interested inunderstanding more about action
for change, they can go on ourwebsite.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-2 (31:16):
What do you feel like you will want
our listeners to take away fromyou today?
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09-01- (31:20):
The importance of authenticity in
life.
Because I think if I would havechosen to be all these other
people that I've met in my life,I wouldn't be here.
Because discovering who I am andremaining authentic to my gift
is one thing that is propellingme on a daily basis.
To become the strong woman I amtoday and still pushing me ahead
(31:43):
that I want to see myself as oneof those therapies, even if not
a therapist, but business womenin Africa who are standing up
for Africans and addressingAfrican related issues and even
at the point of derivingpolicies within the African
context, suitable for Africanpeople in an African way.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-20 (32:04):
Dr.
Malibu, thank you so much.
was extremely powerful.
I learned so much.
Thank you for gracing us withyour presence today.
Thank you.
dr--malebo-mashaba_1_09- (32:15):
You're welcome.
squadcaster-288h_1_09-01-20 (32:16):
All right, everyone.
Catch you on the next episode.
Thank you for listening.
We hope to see you on the nextepisode.
This is Equipped to Prosper.
The podcast.
Visit equipped to prosper.com,the find an African mentor
provider therapy assistance, andstill much more.
Remember that you are equippedto prosper.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.