Ratile Mabitsela gets candid as she reflects on World Suicide Prevention Day.
In a candid Instagram post marking World Suicide Prevention Day, former The Mommy Club star Ratile Mabitsela said she couldn’t let the day pass without reflecting on her own life.
“I can’t speak about mental health without reflecting on my own life. And perhaps sharing parts of my healing journey might encourage someone else to keep going,” she wrote.
Ratile said she has “known depression from both sides” – as someone who battled it herself, and as a partner to someone who did too.
“From battling depression myself, to loving a partner who battled it too. From surviving my own suicide attempt, to later losing my partner to suicide,” she wrote.
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Lehlogonolo Mabitsela died in February 2025, days after he and Ratile – who were reportedly estranged and going through divorce proceedings at the time – celebrated the seventh birthday of their twins.
Ratile later told DRUM in an exclusive interview that “it’s turned out even worse,” confirming his passing shortly after news first broke.
In her latest post, Ratile was careful to frame her disclosure as a call to action rather than a plea for sympathy.
“I share this not for pity, but for awareness,” she said, adding that depression “is not always something you can see” but can become “life-threatening when someone is suffering without the support and treatment they need.”
She urged followers to “check in on the people you love,” be “a safe space,” and seek professional help where needed – naming therapy, medication, prayer and meditation as valid parts of healing.
“Today, I hold space for those who attempted suicide and survived. I hold space for the lives we have lost, and for the families who continue living with that loss,” she wrote, closing with “Love & Light.”
Need to talk to someone?
• SADAG 24-hour Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (free, 7 days a week)
• SADAG SMS line: SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call you back
• SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837
• Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line: 0800 12 13 14
• LifeLine South Africa: 24/7 free, confidential counselling
• Childline (under-18s): 24/7 free support