Stories
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
Why can't it finally be fair?
Mzamo, Lebogang and Neliswa discuss their experiences of race, racism and micro-aggressions in democratic South Africa.
Read more about Why can't it finally be fair?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.
Read more about I was abandoned at birthI 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 choiceMy 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.
Read more about My career looks different to what I'd imaginedFailure 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 personOur kids need our voices
As a single father, Gosiame sees raising his daughter as a privilege.
Read more about Our kids need our voicesI 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.
Read more about I hope to invest in myselfIt'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.
Read more about It's not just a man's worldI 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.
Read more about I don't know where to place myselfResidences 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 studentsContinuing 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.
Read more about Continuing her father’s legacyI 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.
Read more about I could have been trafficked that day