Dineo Ranaka, the host of the Kaya 959 radio station, has been taken into a Pretoria mental health facility, a close family friend confirmed to Zimoja on Monday, May 29. The source has revealed that Dineo is grateful for the outpourings of support and prayers since she revealed her struggles with his mental well-being.

Dineo Ranaka

“She appreciates all the messages she has received from everyone. She hasn’t been able to respond to everyone, but she is fighting,” he says. “She is really fighting. She is in Pretoria at the clinic from today. She will be okay,” he adds. “Dineo is a fighter; everyone knows that.”

This comes after Dineo said that she comprehends the motivations behind suicide. She had to take dramatic measures to seek mental help, yet several of her admirers inundated her with support and encouraging notes.

Dineo Ranaka
“I completely understand souls/spirits/people that commit suicide. I get it. I get them. Because I’m trying my best to not commit suicide, my mind is so loud of late…and I’m trying my best, but it seems my best is not enough,” she shared. “My children, God. Abantwana bam.”

Soon after the posts, Kaya 959 issued a statement wishing their breakfast host well. “The Kaya 959 family is keeping Dineo in their hearts and we wish her healing. We also ask for privacy as Dineo gets through this difficult time.” the station’s Colleen Louw wrote.

Zimoja revealed that in 2022, Ranaka advised those experiencing sorrow or sadness to speak up: “Please talk to your people when you’re not okay, particularly If you’re employed and you have bosses who care. I have questioned myself whether I’m okay or I’m not okay, I’ve healed from certain pains, or I’ve not healed from certain pains… I’ve started understanding depression deeper. The opposite of depression is not happiness. So, depression, in essence, is not sadness. Depression is the lack and the loss of vitality. Vitality is your enthusiasm for life and living, your excitement about life”.