Friday, 2 October 2026

Pindile Ndamande said unresolved emotional pain can shape thoughts, behaviour and relationships, with people responding through trauma-based “filters” rather than to what was actually said.

Healing requires acknowledging and defining the wound, seeking support where needed, grieving the loss and taking personal responsibility; Ndamande urged people not to suffer or die alone.

Ndamande argued that coping mechanisms become harmful when withdrawal, silence or defensiveness repeatedly damage intimacy, with silent treatment potentially experienced as emotional abuse.

Dietitian Lerato Khadebe warned GLP-1 medication is not a magic bullet: users need diagnosis, nutritional assessments and professional guidance, rather than unregulated alternatives or rapid weight loss.

Khadebe said losing more than 5% of body weight over three months may indicate muscle loss, and recommended balanced nutrition, strength training and adequate sleep alongside weight management.