Running for Mental Health Awareness: An Inspiring Interview with Sandiso Hlalaphi

This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Sandiso Hlalaphi, the founder of 4Impilo, about his upcoming 200-kilometer township-to-township duathlon for mental health awareness. What started as a personal struggle in 2021 has now evolved into a movement that encourages open conversations about mental health in South African communities.

Sandiso's story is one of transformation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced one of the darkest periods of his life, struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. After losing his first child, he reached a breaking point, attempting to take his own life twice. It was during his time in a mental health institution that he discovered running as a form of therapy. "Running became a safe space for me. It was the only place where I felt truly happy and where life made sense," he shared during our interview.

Growing up in the township, he experienced firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health. "As a Black man, you don’t talk about your feelings. There’s no safe space for that. Mental health is often misunderstood and ignored," he explained. His realization that mental health needed to be treated as an emergency inspired him to create 4Impilo, an initiative dedicated to providing mental health support and awareness through sport.

On March 20th, Sandiso will take on an extraordinary challenge: running and cycling a combined 200 kilometers in a single day, passing through multiple townships, including Kayamandi, Khayelitsha, Philippi, Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Langa, and Mitchells Plain. He won’t be alone—around 25 participants will join different segments of the journey, some running, others cycling, while a support team ensures that everything runs smoothly.

But this isn’t just about endurance; it’s about making mental health services accessible. Along the way, 4Impilo will distribute leaflets with information on mental health resources, ensuring that those who need support know where to find it.

Mental health remains a taboo topic in many South African communities, but change is happening. "For a long time, people thought mental health struggles were only for white people or were linked to witchcraft. Now, we’re starting to understand that it’s real and that we need to address it," Sandiso told us. His initiative aims to normalize discussions around mental health, particularly in underserved communities where unemployment and social pressures often contribute to mental health struggles.

Sandiso encourages anyone interested to join him on March 20th—whether by running, cycling, or simply showing support. "Even if you just run 10 kilometers and then hop in the shuttle to cheer others on, you’re part of the movement," he says. If you or someone you know needs support, 4Impilo offers free services to help navigate mental health challenges.

For more information or to get involved, you can contact Sandiso and 4Impilo at 073 1069 444 (WhatsApp available). Let’s keep the conversation about mental health going and ensure that no one struggles alone.

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