Ratile Mabitsela Remembers Her Late Husband

South African reality TV star Ratile Mabitsela has opened up about her personal battle with depression and remembered her late husband, Elias Lehlogonolo Mabitsela, on World Suicide Prevention Day.

On 10 September 2026, the The Mommy Club star reflected on her own healing journey while sharing emotional moments from her life, including memories with her late husband and their children.

Ratile used the important day to raise awareness about mental health and the realities of depression, revealing that the condition has affected her life in deeply personal ways. She spoke candidly about experiencing depression herself, as well as supporting a partner who also battled with the illness.

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A post shared by Ratile Boitumelo Mabotja (@ratile_mabitsela)

In a heartfelt message, she wrote, “World Suicide Prevention Day. I can’t speak about mental health without reflecting on my own life. And perhaps sharing parts of my healing journey might encourage someone else to keep going. I have known depression from both sides.
From battling depression myself, to loving a partner who battled it too. From surviving my own suicide attempt, to later losing my partner to suicide. I share this not for pity, but for awareness.
Depression is not always something you can see. Yet the pain can become life-threatening when someone is suffering without the support and treatment they need.”

Ratile went on to encourage people to check in on those around them and seek help when necessary.

“Check in on the people you love. Be a safe space. Pay attention to your own thoughts and triggers. Seek professional help when you need it. Therapy, medication, prayer, meditation and simply allowing someone else in can all form part of healing,” she continued.

She also dedicated part of her message to those who have experienced suicide attempts, as well as families who have lost loved ones.

“Today I hold space for those who attempted suicide an survived.
I hold space for the lives we have lost, and for the families who continue living with that loss.
And to anyone battling right now, especially if you are feeling suicidal, the last slide is for you.”

Ratile’s husband, Elias Lehlogonolo Mabitsela, died by suicide on 12 February 2025. His death came only days after the couple celebrated their twins’ seventh birthday.

At the time of his death, Ratile and Elias were separated and going through a pending divorce. Despite the circumstances surrounding their relationship, his passing left a lasting impact on Ratile and their family.

Through her message, Ratile has chosen to use her own experiences to encourage greater awareness around depression, suicide prevention and the importance of seeking support. Her decision to speak openly about both her survival and her loss highlights the importance of creating spaces where people can talk about their mental health without shame.