When we share our stories, understanding, empathy and trust grow. Our relationships improve and we get a stronger sense of community. At Heartlines, we’ve seen how story-sharing has impacted and connected thousands of people beyond anything we could have imagined. Here are some of those stories.

Do you have a story that everyone needs to hear? We want to hear it! Share your story here

All stories

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Why can't it finally be fair?

Mzamo, Lebogang and Neliswa discuss their experiences of race, racism and micro-aggressions in democratic South Africa.

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Innocent

I was abandoned at birth

From the time he was abandoned at birth, to when he eventually found his family, Innocent has struggled with belonging and identity. 

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Dani 3

I made the right choice

When her stepfather and mother got a divorce, Daniella’s life nearly fell apart. It affected her health, and all of a sudden, she had to fend for herself. Read more about I made the right choice
Koinonia 1

My career looks different to what I'd imagined

Using the skills she learned in the corporate world, Koinonia Baloyi found a way to live out her passion for community development and begin something that is not only changing her community, but her too, for the better.

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Harrinton 2

Failure made me a better person

Harrington’s desire for a better life has been fight after fight, but he has hope that his future will be different. Read more about Failure made me a better person
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Our kids need our voices

As a single father, Gosiame sees raising his daughter as a privilege.

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Thabo Mashapa

I hope to invest in myself

Thabo has had to fight to get an education, and although he has not received a ‘conventional’ education, he is gaining knowledge in other valuable ways.

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Sarah Bennetts

It's not just a man's world

Sarah’s journey to embracing womanhood has taught her that she is free to be unique – and to make choices that empower not only her, but her family as well.

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Joao Pedro

I don't know where to place myself

Joao Pedro was born in South Africa to parents who are immigrants, and although he is proud of his Angolan-South African heritage, he still finds it hard to define his identity.

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Residences were only for white students

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

Continuing her father’s legacy

Mokgadi started beekeeping almost by accident. Being a black woman in a white male-dominated industry has not been easy, but she is determined to make it work.

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I could have been trafficked that day

A narrow escape from being trafficked 24 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.

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