Discover Bonga, where burdens become bonds in a safe, anonymous haven

Discover Bonga, a haven where burdens transform into bonds within the safety and anonymity it offers. In this sanctuary, individuals find solace and support, creating profound connections that transcend the boundaries of everyday life. Meet the architects behind this initiative.

Please tell us a little more about the BONGA platform and how the community can get involved?

BONGA is a secure, anonymous platform where users can openly discuss their mental burdens. Our platform features qualified psychologists who provide support from the background. The TikTok community can engage through peer-to-peer counseling, fostering a community of encouragement and shared experiences, making individuals feel less alone in their struggles.

It's not often we see media brands such as Capital FM create platforms such as BONGA. What inspired the team to create this mental health platform?

Our initial inspiration came from Chao's late-night show 'After Hours,' where we noticed a surge in distress calls, some involving suicidal thoughts, between midnight and 1 a.m. Another significant trigger was when a talented member of our digital agency, who is also a developer, disappeared for over a month due to clinical depression. We found him on the brink of suicide and realised the importance of viewing and supporting him as a human being. He had been afraid of the stigma and couldn't afford therapy. In response, we created BONGA as a safe space for people to open up without fear of judgment, aiming to break the stigma around mental health. We also presented this situation to the board, making our company the first media house to include mental health coverage for our staff benefits.

World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health. What advice would Bonga give fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders on promoting mental health awareness and support within their organisations?

First, ensure mental health insurance coverage for your staff because it's a very costly affair. Encourage an open culture where employees can freely discuss their challenges. Consider creating a 'mental health corner' in the office, a designated space for peer-to-peer chats. Implement a mental health buddy system. Additionally, we organise monthly mental health games, with board games, music, and conversations, with our partners,'Games For Mental Health'.

Getting to know the Founders of Bonga platform

DAVID MUBA

Which TikTok community inspires you the most on TikTok and why?

Restoration TikTok offers hope by turning seemingly useless things into something incredibly useful, showcasing the power of belief. ASMR, in my opinion, is pure therapeutic bliss. :)

Your favourite positive trend on TikTok at the moment?

I appreciate Kienyeji TikTok for celebrating the authenticity of rural influencers and encouraging people to embrace their true selves without excessive peer pressure.

How do you prioritise and maintain your mental well-being while managing your professional career?

My coping mechanism is farming. I have a farm that I go to every Friday and back on Monday morning. I intentionally leave my machine behind, have minimal internet access, and just interact with nature. This keeps me sober and refreshed at the beginning of the next week.

CHAO TOLLE

Which TikTok community inspires you the most on TikTok and why?

The content shared by the Motivational TikTok community helps me see a different perspective of life and understand our various journeys by viewing other people's stories to understand the human experience better. The fact that this is from people from all walks of life whom I’ll never meet cement the thread of humanity we all share.

Your favourite positive trend on TikTok at the moment? (if you have a video we can embed, please share)

Pranks because they have me laughing nonstop.