The sad tale of irreparable damage. Rape is a curse. It happened to Thando so many times she has lost count. Why does it happen? Why rape in the first place? The first time it happened, she was 5. An older cousin did it. …

A poem of yearning for a departed mother. — The songs we chanted Tasty Sunday dinners produced Memory tracks enjoyed after meals And the bible verses we memorised I miss you, mommy A condition declares itself, And I weep my eyes out Your voice intent to soothe Only your counsel inspires I miss you, mommy Whereas my emotions shattered…

But I Live A Life Of Value. I am a different child. My dad moved out when I was 4 and he never cared what became of me. My mom took over the reins of providing for me alone. She is my confidante and counsellor. From a tender age, I…

Words Can’t Describe My Joy! A gloomy Sunday evening Busy cooking and cleaning One sharp pain and breathlessness It was the time, a time long-awaited. The father, with a stern look, was suspicious He has seen it in movies Where women shout and pant This one was too good to…

It Is Either Her Freedom Or His Demise! — I hate you! She whimpered. With all my heart. This surprised Noel. He did not know what brought her behavior about. He tried to read the reason from her blood-red eyes without success. All he could do was shrug his shoulders and match to the jeep. He waited for what…

TESTIMONY OF A GIRL CHILD ACTIVIST I grew up around and with books. Although my father was a truck driver, and my mother a shop assistant, they saw in me an answer to their poverty-stricken life. Somehow, they decided books were the way to their dream life through their youngest daughter. I was born inquisitive. My…

Or Just a Shortcut To Problem-Solving? — I prayed! Fervently. Day and night, with fasting and supplications. I prayed for my marriage, my sick son, my eluding promotion, my messed-up daughter, my debt-ridden situation and for my church pastor whose marriage was in jeopardy. My life was a mess of one problem after the other and the…

Is blogging a fit for you? — I am a teacher by profession, a librarian by training and a change agent by practice. You’d think that, with a career path like mine, I would excel in writing. The most successful bloggers are young, vivacious and hungry. They have the energy and drive to spend long hours researching…

WHETHER PAINFUL OR HURTFUL, IT IS STILL LOVE. I wake up 4 times a night. I already have a bodily alarm to wake me up ten minutes before he does. He turned 1 month on the 18th of March. The night is my bonding time with him. During the day…