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"Empathy is feeling someone’s struggles, even when they’re not yours," reflects Pule, 26. For many young people today, empathy is more than just a buzzword – it is a way of connecting, understanding, and building relationships in an increasingly complex world.

Telamsile had to learn how to be herself and hold true to her values as part of a demanding career in an intense industry that doesn't always see the damage it can do in society. 

Empathy, fostered through storytelling, is the spark that ignites transformation. It can reshape hearts, minds and communities. Imagine the ripple effect if you infused empathy into your daily interactions or community. What new possibilities could you unlock? What barriers could you shatter?

The first time I was encouraged to review my life story, I was sceptical. The idea struck me as an exercise in self-indulgent navel-gazing, even futility. What good could it do to review a past that couldn’t be changed? But I agreed to try, and what an impact it had.

We hear a lot about creating “safe spaces” in the workplace, but what do these safe spaces look like? And most importantly, how do we do it?

South Africa has a complex past, so a day like Heritage Day can be met with mixed emotions. But what if we were open to exploring the aspects of our own heritage, as well as the heritage of those around us, to understand ourselves and each other better?