Cape Mental Health is inviting all dreamers to let their kites fly into the clouds on Sunday October 27 when they host the annual Pop-Up Fly Event at Melkbosstrand Beach, from 10am, as part of the Cape Town International Kite Festival.
The festival has been held annually during October, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Organisers say the theme for the 30th Cape Town International Kite Festival is #HopeOnAString, “because despite the fragility of the string, it allows the kite to fly higher and higher – just as we humans rise above the circumstances that life throws our way.”
Professional kiter Tony Jetland from San Francisco in the United States of America says his kite Dragon’s Breath will wow audiences on Sunday.
Mr Jetland showed off the striking dragon at a Media Fly at Dolphin Beach on Tuesday, October 22.
He said he has been participating in kite festivals all over the world in countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates, and this is his first time south of the equator and in Cape Town.
“I cannot describe what Cape Town is, the people, the weather, the scenery is just amazing,” said Mr Jetland.
He said he had several more kites to share at the festival but those were under wraps until Sunday.
He said flying kites was a form of therapy for him, and when he sees a group of people surrounding him amazed by his kites, he calls that group therapy.
Santie Terreblanche, Cape Mental Health’s deputy chief executive officer, said the festival puts a spotlight on mental health by raising awareness of the stigma and discrimination people face when dealing with challenges.
“It’s very important that we look after our mental health from an early age and that we focus on the youth, because they are the leaders of the future, and we want leaders who can make good decisions, who can act in the best interest of our country. Our youth are currently faced with crime, poverty and malnutrition, with fears of even walking to school, fear of being kidnapped and harmed. And when you are afraid you can’t live life to your fullest,” said Ms Terreblanche.
She said the media also plays a role as some people tend to believe the fake lifestyles displayed on platforms such as social media and start wanting it for themselves, which can lead to stress.
She said it is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.
“As adults we spend most of our awake hours during the day at work, and if the workplace is not conducive to good mental health, then you take that atmosphere, the negativity back home and it influences your family as well,”, said Ms Terreblanche.
The festival will also feature local professional kiters such as Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathooand Brian Skinner.
Visit www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnAString for more information.
