For the past three decades, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has played a pivotal role in helping people speak openly about mental health without the fear of stigma.

Organised by a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), Cape Mental Health, the festival has become a beacon for mental health awareness.

The sky above the Youngsfield Military Base in Wynberg has been transformed into a spectacle of colour and creativity.

This as various kites took to the sky during the 31st edition of the Cape Town International Kite Festival returning to the Mother City.

Cape Mental Health CEO Professor Ingrid Daniels says the festival has long been a symbol of hope and resilience.

“In South Africa about 16,5 people live with a mental health condition and 92% of that group have no access to metal health services. This is a problem for us and so what Cape Mental Health does is it provides free mental health services which is why the Kite Festival is a very important event for us because the proceeds go towards helping those battling with mental health issues.”