By Ofentse Dube
The Constitutional Hill hosted a Human Rights Festival (26th–29th March 2026). On the first day, we attended a workshop by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), held under the banner of The Mental Health Industry Watchdog.
Now, as we bid farewell to Human Rights Month in South Africa, it is equally important to share information about the Mental Health Industry Watchdogs — their mission and vision, belief system, and what they stand against.
The room was filled with changemakers (both young and old), authors, students, and writers, alongside the workshop hosts, Nichola Anne Khoury and Marco Licciardello – Public Relations Officer and Executive Director of CCHR Africa respectively. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical engagement.
The CCHR (established in 1969), a global non-profit organisation, stands firmly against human rights violations, particularly within the realm of mental health. It advocates for alternative approaches to psychiatric treatment, beyond what it considers extreme methods. The organisation, founded by the Church of Scientology together with the late psychiatrist Dr Thomas Szasz, positions itself as a protector of global citizens who may be affected by or exposed to forceful “help” at the hands of pharmaceutical companies.
As someone equally passionate about psychology and holistic wellness – body, mind and soul – I found the workshop both intriguing and worthy of further exploration. We live in a democracy that upholds a constitution grounded in human rights. Thus, organisations such as these play a significant role in challenging convention by sharing information and proposing alternative perspectives. Not only did they present, but they also shared documented information on the side effects of psychiatric drugs.
We live in a world where mental health has become a significant phenomenon, notwithstanding the stigma that still surrounds it – particularly in many African homes. However, we must not shy away from asking relevant questions or conducting thorough research about our wellbeing, especially when it comes to matters of the mind. As we journey through life, we inevitably encounter circumstances that may induce trauma or anxiety. In such moments, it becomes essential to seek help that truly benefits us – help that heals without harm and upholds our fundamental human rights.
