Psychological Turmoil and Political Upheaval: Analysing the Link between Youth Mental Illness and Coup D’etats in Africa- A Literature Review
Mavimbela Awam 
, Mkhululi Gqalindaba & Kanyiso Zweni
Issue: Vol.6 No.7 Article 21 pp.1235 – 1252
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256721 | Published online 24th June, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Evidently, the 55 years of coups d’état in Africa have been characterised by poor service delivery, socio-economic constraints, leadership crises, corruption, terrorism, violent extremism, and limited civil liberties. The socio-economic challenges faced by Africa are not only similar but also contribute to poor mental health outcomes, which in turn encourage school dropouts, a lack of interest in political affairs, an inability to comprehend complex societal challenges, and early deaths, creating avoidable orphans. Insurrections, it seems, are consequences of issues such as inter alia, bureaucratic corruption, exploitation, oppression, and inequality. Fanonism recognises that socio-economic deprivation and alienation are forms of violence inflicted on Africans by colonisers, intended to subject them to horrific and traumatic experiences to force them into submission. A comprehensive review of scholarly journal articles and literary works was conducted using the following sources: Google Scholar, NIH, ResearchGate, Frontiers, Unisa Press Journals, SciELO SA, and ScienceDirect. The conclusion drawn is that injustices are manufactured by the West through agencies such as inter alia, the IMF, which advocates for privatisation. Furthermore, Western entities are aware of the mental health disorders experienced by Africans. Therefore, all European ideological constructs must be reconsidered within the framework of African realities.
Keywords: Mental Health, Socio-economic challenges, Insurrection, Corruption, and Fanonism
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Mavimbela Awam is one of the youngest intellectuals to emerge as a Clinical Social Worker from Walter Sisulu University. He has engaged in advancing Clinical Social Welfare in the Eastern Cape through both practical and academic avenues. Consequently, in this huge unemployment situation in South Africa, he has been headhunted to participate in a multi-disciplinary team in implementing palliative care at various hospitals in the O.R. Tambo Region. He is currently involved in the decolonisation of Palliative Care Social Work training for better quality of life. At a young age, he has significantly impacted both practice and academia in advocating for marginalised communities in health care. Mr Mavimbela is frequently recognised by peers as an exceptional individual within his cohort. Recently, Mr Mavimbela has developed his skills to become the second South African Social Work columnist after Mama Charlotte Maxeke. Making the first in his generation and those before him.
Mkululi Galindaba is currently pursuing a Master’s in political science at the Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa. His ultimate objective is to become a powerful, influential leader in his community and an inspirational writer. Beyond academics, he is passionate about community participation and gender-based violence (GBV) advocacy.He has a diverse personality, which includes ambition, generosity, and thoughtfulness. He is a determined and vigorous individual who remains pleasantly calm with a firm believe in fighting for what you want and believe in God as his guide with God. He also enjoys playing sports, which helps him maintain balance, discipline, and overall well-being in all aspects of life.
Kanyiso Zweni is a dedicated psychology master’s candidate at Walter Sisulu University and an emerging scholar committed to advancing knowledge that addresses pressing societal challenges. With a deep passion for academic research and community impact, Kanyiso strives to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical solutions that promote social well-being and positive change. As a growing academic, Kanyiso is focused on developing innovative approaches to understanding human behavior and mental health, aiming to contribute meaningfully to both the academic community and society at large. Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and scholarly excellence, Kanyiso actively engages in interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects that foster inclusive and sustainable development.
Awam, Mavimbela, Mkhululi Gqalindaba, and Kanyiso Zweni . “Psychological Turmoil and Political Upheaval: Analysing the Link between Youth Mental Illness and Coup D’etats in Africa- A Literature Review” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.7 (2025): 1235 – 1252. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256721
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
