MTV Base is set to premiere its latest original documentary, The People vs AND Mental Health, a powerful and timely exploration of mental health as experienced by young people across Africa.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Lebogang Rasethaba, the 80-minute film is the 4th instalment in the celebrated People Vs franchise, following The People vs The Rainbow Nation, The People vs Patriarchy, and The People vs The People.
Premiering on MTV Base on November 13 at 16:30 WAT, and airing on BET Africa, the documentary will also be screened at the African Union Youth Symposium and the Soweto Film Festival this month, bringing its message to both broadcast and community audiences.
In this latest instalment, Rasethaba turns his lens to one of the most urgent and complex issues facing youth today: mental health. Through the documentary, a roundtable discussion, and expert perspectives, The People vs AND Mental Health unpacks the emotional, social and systemic dimensions of mental wellbeing. The film distils highbrow, often exclusive conversations into accessible, everyday language – equipping young people with the tools and vocabulary to speak about their experiences and seek support.
The documentary arrives at a time when mental health challenges are escalating across the continent. According to the World Health Organisation’s 2025 Mental Health Dashboard, over 150 million people in Africa are affected by mental health conditions, yet access to care remains critically limited. Suicide rates in the region stand at 11.5 per 100,000 population, and alcohol consumption exceeds 10 litres per capita in some countries -factors that compound the risks and underscore the need for urgent, youth-focused interventions.
This documentary was made for the youth, by the youth, and its premise is rooted in solutions by African youth for Africans. It also explores the impact of social and online safety on mental health, highlighting how digital spaces shape the well-being of young people today.
Produced in partnership with The Staying Alive Foundation, the documentary reflects a shared commitment to youth empowerment. The Staying Alive Foundation, a long-time collaborator with MTV Base, continues its mission to create impactful content that drives social change and supports youth wellbeing.
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Paramount Africa and Peer Lead at BET International, emphasised the urgency of the project: “Mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing young people today. With The People vs AND Mental Health, we aim to break the silence, challenge stigma, and create a safe space for dialogue and healing. This is more than a documentary – it’s a movement. We call on organisations across all sectors to join us in addressing mental health collectively, because real change requires collaboration and commitment.”
Director Lebogang Rasethaba reflected on the project’s emotional depth and ambition: “Mental health is deeply personal, yet profoundly social. This film is about listening – really listening – to the voices that are often ignored. Like the previous People Vs films, this instalment aims to equip young people with the language and confidence to be part of the conversation. It’s about making mental health visible, relatable and urgent.”
Wame Jallow, Executive Director of the Staying Alive Foundation, shared: “Our partnership with MTV Base continues to be a powerful platform for youth empowerment. This documentary is a testament to the resilience of young people and the importance of giving them the tools to thrive and make informed choices about their wellbeing and health.”