Yanga Sobetwa, a singer, recently celebrated her birthday and reflected on her battle with mental illness.
The Idols SA season 14 contestant shared on Instagram that she had conquered sadness and anxiety.
“It’s my 22nd birthday. It’s my ‘young adult era’ sana. Man, looking where I came from I was not supposed to make it,” Yanga said.
“The suicidal attempts, the severe depression and anxiety, the trauma. Hayi truly it’s only by God grace shame,” she added.
The gospel singer also said that she has an upcoming tour.
“Y’all know I have a recording on July 1 2023 so my wish is for y’all to buy your tickets and help me live my purpose.”
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Yanga won Idols SA in 2018 when she was only 16 years old and in grade 11.
In the following year, she slammed reports claiming she regrets taking a break from matric and she was depressed.
Taking to social media, she said: “I don’t regret taking a break from doing my matric for this year. The worst part about this story is they called me and the lady I spoke to seemed very understanding and warm at heart, kanti. I never said I did.”
She further said that she would write her exams in June and December 2020.
“I tried doing matric full time the first six months this year, my fellow Rhodians are my witnesses. I missed a lot of classes because I was working on my album, I was travelling a lot, therefore I could only manage preparing for exams but assignments and class tests played a huge role but I couldn’t do them. It was a very difficult decision, shame. For me, I felt like I failed whereas I did not. I just needed more time than normal full-time students. That’s why I’ll be writing four subjects in June next year and the other three in December.”
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, contact these numbers for help.
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567
SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837