Cape Town International Kite Festival returns with 'Courage To Fly' theme for mental health awareness
World Mental Health Day focuses on violence as South Africa's 'mental health catastrophe'
October marks Mental Health Awareness Month across the globe - and for more than three decades, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been a safe and uplifting space for people to talk openly about their mental health, free from stigma or fear.
Image: Supplied
Friday, 10 October 2025 marks World Mental Health Day, coinciding with the return of Cape Town's beloved kite festival that has championed mental health awareness for over three decades.
As colourful kites prepare to soar above Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, the event shines a spotlight on this year's critical theme: the devastating impact of violence on South African mental health.The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has chosen "Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies" as this year's global theme, while the South African Federation of Mental Health (SAFMH) highlights "Addressing Violence as a Significant Challenge to Mental Health in South Africa."
Violence as a Mental Health Crisis
Cape Mental Health emphasises that persistent violence in Cape Town, through ongoing gang and gender-based violence, alcohol and drug-related incidents, and taxi wars, act as a catastrophe with severe mental health consequences.
Despite over 30 years of democracy, violent crime remains high, leaving communities in constant fear. Exposure to violence erodes mental health, causing anxiety, depression, sleep problems, PTSD, and strained relationships.
Children and youth exposed to trauma face heightened emotional and behavioural challenges. WFMH notes that one in five people exposed to catastrophes develop a diagnosable mental health condition, yet access to quality mental health services remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
"Violence in South Africa is both a social and mental health crisis, but it is preventable," said Professor Ingrid Daniels, Cape Mental Health CEO.
"Coordinated prevention, crime interventions, support, and investment in mental health services can foster safer, healthier communities. On World Mental Health Day in South Africa, we will place the spotlight on our catastrophe - the impact of violence on the mental health of South Africans," said Daniels.
"WMHD is the opportunity to talk about the current situation, call for urgent multi-sectoral responses and solutions but most of all to urge those affected to seek assistance and access mental health support. 'Trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility.' Life gets better when we prioritise mental health."
#CourageToFly: the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival
The Cape Town International Kite Festival is soaring back in 2025 with fresh energy and a powerful new theme - #CourageToFly. Celebrating its 31st anniversary, this beloved event continues to stand as a beacon of hope, strength, and togetherness, honouring the courage it takes to overcome life's challenges, especially when it comes to mental health.
For the first time since the pandemic, the festival returns to its two-day format, taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025 - a full weekend of joy, colour, and community. Adding to the excitement, this year's celebration takes flight at a brand-new venue, the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, where the skies will once again burst to life with vibrant kites, creativity, and courage.
A festival with purpose: more than just kite flying
This year's festival will feature a spectacular showcase of kites from both local and more than 10 international participants, alongside entertainment for all ages, kite-making workshops, food vendors and entertainment for children.
It is designed to be a safe and joyful family outing, while also carrying a deeper message about the importance of mental health in building a resilient society. For many attendees, the simple act of flying a kite offers a powerful metaphor for mental wellness - finding balance, letting go of control, and experiencing moments of joy and presence in nature.
Previous participants have described the festival as "therapeutic" and "a day where you can just breathe and be present.
"The festival continues to expand its reach beyond the two-day celebration through initiatives such as the EduKite competition for schools, community fly events like the Heideveld Community Fly, and a variety of inclusive activities that ensure children and adults of all abilities can participate," said the organisers.
About the Cape Town International Kite Festival
Since 1994, Cape Mental Health has proudly hosted the Cape Town International Kite Festival, one of Africa's oldest kiting events, dedicated to raising funds and advocating for mental wellness. The festival has grown to become not only a beloved annual tradition but a crucial platform for mental health education and destigmatisation in South Africa.