Post-traumatic Mandela disorder

When Nobesuthu Jafta from Gugulethu woke to the news of Nelson Mandela's death last week she broke down.

"I couldn't stop crying because I felt so bad. Because of him we are free. I felt like I lost a family member. It was even difficult to go to work,'' said Jafta.

At the weekend, Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini made a 24-hour command centre, meant for victims of gender violence, available to the public to deal with Mandela's death.

The centre, a joint initiative with Vodacom, has 66 social workers.

Dlamini said: " Experiences caused by disruptive events such as death may have severe psychosocial consequences if not attended to immediately.

"Tata Nelson Mandela was dearly loved by all South Africans, and the effects of his passing on our society cannot be underestimated."

Dlamini's spokesman, Lumka Oliphant, said they have yet to collate figures on how many people have been assisted.

Christo Brand, Mandela's former jailor, is inconsolable.

"It was the most painful moment of my life. I was in shock," said Brand. "Although we expected it, it was painful to lose him like that."

Casey Chambers, operations director of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, called on South Africans to support each other to get through this difficult time.

"There are many people who are in shock. Some are upset, others numb even, and a lot of people are still processing this profound loss,'' said Chambers.

"Some may feel the effects now and others will take a few days, if not a few weeks. During this time it is important to share your feelings with others to help you cope.''

Call 0860 004 015 or the anxiety group on 0800 21 22 23.