Articles – Heartlines

Continuing her father’s legacy

Mokgadi started beekeeping almost by accident – she used to get some honey from her father’s supply until one day he said to her, “You’re finishing my supply. I’m not working for you.” She got a few beehives to harvest her own supply on her father’s farm. Being a Black woman in a white male dominated industry has not been easy, but Mokgadi is determined to make it work.

I could have been trafficked that day

A narrow escape from being trafficked twenty-four years ago changed Blessing’s life forever. As an anti-human trafficking activist, she is now directly involved in making sure other girls and women are able to return to their homes safely.

I did not think of it as prostitution

Growing up, Hilda’s family struggled financially, but when she fell pregnant in high school, things became harder. After dropping out of school, she decided to become a sex worker to provide for her family.

They called me the little bastard

Blackie’s identity has been questioned from the moment he was born. He was born to white parents in apartheid South Africa, but he appeared coloured. The appearance of his skin made him a target for ridicule and cruelty for years, even from his own father, who questioned his paternity. Here is a snippet from his story.

My mother made it look easy

Many of us grow up thinking our mothers are supermoms, but it’s only when you become a parent yourself that you begin to really understand the sacrifices that make mothers real-life heroes.

My mother gave me up for adoption

Mmashikwane’s view and experience of family changed radically when she was ten. Hers is a story of learning the value of family and community.

Motherhood brought me home

Motherhood brought with it a gift of love, but it also brought Morongoa necessary, tough lessons about life. When she became a mother, she began to understand her mother’s perspective.

Pregnant at 17: all I wanted was to be free

Falling pregnant at age seventeen seemed to be the end of Nontokozo’s world. Her dreams had to be put on hold, and a degree seemed like a distant possibility.

One Can Be Free and Still Be A Slave

Moss Ntlha reflects on life as an unfree person under the oppressive system of apartheid. He also offers encouragement for how to live fully as a free person under a democratic SA.

Their Residences Were For White Students Only

When I applied to Rhodes University I was told there was no accommodation for me – their residences were for white students only.

Apartheid Affected Us All

In 2003 the white church leaders of our town repented to the black church leaders of our town for the sins of Apartheid. In 2008, we repented for the sins of Apartheid in the Mpumalanga government, and in 2017 we repented in the Parliament of South Africa.

I Lost My Daughter to Cancer

Dear O, I miss you dearly, it’s been a while but I will be fine. Days are getting better, and everyone is doing just fine. Mommy is imagining a twenty-year old you, in varsity and living your fullest life. I imagine your daily phone call, asking me all sorts of life questions.