Meet Hilda Madonsela, the founder of Ekuphumuleni Home Of Peace, located at Orange Farm, Gauteng.

Hilda is a woman who makes a difference every day – and at She Evolves, we call people like Hilda “Changemakers” because they are the few people who work hard everyday to serve their communities. Hilda is a single mom of five, but despite all the many other responsibilities at home, she still finds time to help others in her community.

When our changemakers met her through our 1000 Stories, 100 1000 Trees project, she planted a tree and named it Stefanie, after one of the children she has cared for over the years. That tree is more than just a plant, it’s a symbol of hope for her and her community.

Hilda started an NGO in 2020 called Peace Daycare Centre. What began as a small daycare has grown into a safe place for children and families in need. She helps lost kids, feeds hungry families, and gives shelter to mothers and children affected by Gender Based Violence (GBV). She doesn’t have much, but she always shares what she can.

Now, she’s working on something even bigger, an orphanage centre for children with no one to care for them. She bought land opposite her home in Orange Farm and has followed the formal process and protocols by reaching out to the Social Development Office and the SAPS which is the police department at Orange Farm. But, like every other NGOs, she needs assistance to continue building the centre.

Hilda doesn’t ask for much in return. She just wants to see kids in her community thrive. That’s why the Stefanie tree matters, in many ways, it is a tree of hope… as it grows, we pray and hope that the centre/orphanage will also be growing with it.

If you’d like to support her, anything helps, clothes, food, school supplies, or even just sharing her story. Together, we can help Hilda keep changing lives through Ekuphumuleni Home Of Peace centre.

Because when people like Hilda plant seeds of kindness, whole communities grow stronger. To hear more about her story, please watch the clip below or reach out to her.

Facebook and Instagram: Ekuphumeleni Home Of Peace Or Neo Esther 

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My name is Tshegofatso Kgosintwa. I am the founder of the BIG Sister Society, a digital anti-gender-based violence (GBV) movement I created in March 2021.

My journey didn’t begin with the work I do today. It started when I was just three months old. In 1995, I tragically lost my mother to gender-based violence. Her husband, the perpetrator, physically abused her while she was pregnant with me. She died from internal bleeding and injuries he inflicted on her. I was left an orphan, setting the stage for a life defined by pain, resilience, and eventually, purpose. Growing up without my mother, I faced challenges no child should ever endure.

My formative years were shaped by grief and loss, but also by an unwavering determination to make something meaningful of my life. I often wondered: Why had this happened? Why did my mother have to die? And most importantly, what could I do to ensure no other child would face the same pain, the same loss, the same broken family I had endured?

The COVID-19 pandemic became the catalyst for change. As the world went into lockdown and isolation, gender-based violence cases spiked. With people confined to their homes and the world retreating into a digital landscape, victims found themselves trapped with few avenues for help or escape. It was during this time that the statistics around GBV in Botswana became overwhelmingly clear: women and children, especially in communities like mine, were suffering in silence.

I realized I couldn’t sit idly by. The pain of my loss drove me to act. I needed to create a platform, a lifeline… for those affected by GBV at a time when physical contact and support were limited. This led to the birth of the BIG Sister Society. With digital tools and social media at my disposal, I set out to build a movement that could reach people where they were—isolated, vulnerable, yet connected through their devices.

Since its inception, the BIG Sister Society has touched the lives of over 56,027 people across Botswana. Through digital campaigns, educational resources, counseling services, and an online community of support, we’ve empowered victims and survivors of GBV to speak out, seek help, and rebuild their lives. The impact of this movement has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of survivors who find solace in knowing that they are not alone.

The road hasn’t been easy. There were moments when I doubted myself—when the weight of my past felt too much to carry. But I always remember why I started. My personal experience with GBV gave me the passion to fight for justice, equality, and the safety of others. I want to live in a world where families thrive, love and peace are at the core of every home, and our youth are raised with the values that help them become active, positive citizens. This is the foundation of my belief in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they are intertwined with the fight against GBV.

Through my work, I’ve been honored to speak on national and international platforms, sharing my story and advocating for a world where GBV is no longer a social ill that holds us back. In 2023, I was humbled to receive the Botswana Youth Award for Best Youth Activist in Social Issues. In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to be named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa delegate. These accolades remind me that the work I’m doing is making an impact. They also motivate me to keep pushing, keep reaching for the next level, and ensure our movement doesn’t stop until every woman, child, and person affected by GBV is safe, heard, and empowered.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking at global forums like the World Youth Forum, where I shed light on the staggering toll of GBV as a social ill that impedes economic development across Africa. GBV does not just harm individuals — it hinders the growth of entire nations. It holds back children’s dreams, women’s aspirations, and communities’ potential. My mission is clear: we must fight for a world where every person has the right to live free from violence and fear.

At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the power of family. When families thrive on peace and love, they create the foundation for strong communities and nations. When we heal the pain of the past, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. My work today is part of a larger mission—to create a world where future generations won’t have to fight the battles I fought, and where they can grow up in safe, nurturing environments that allow them to reach their full potential.

As I stand here today, sharing my journey with you, I’m reminded that resilience is born from pain, and purpose often arises from difficult circumstances. I am driven by a deep, unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence. I am more than a survivor—I am a fighter, an advocate, and an agent of change. And I will continue to fight, not just for myself, but for every person whose voice has been silenced by violence.

To the women and children suffering in silence: know you are not alone. Your voice matters. Your life matters. And together, we will break the cycle of violence. Because when we rise, we rise together.

This is only the beginning.

Written by Tshegofatso Kgosintwa

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My name is Tsholofelo Mahlangu, and I live in Poortjie. I grew up in Mabopane, Pretoria, and have many fond memories from my childhood there. I have been a teacher for 20 years, specializing in social and natural sciences. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with various communities in Tshwane, my hometown. I am passionate about developing literacy projects and implementing blended learning programs, such as coding and robotics, in the communities I work with.

I am also a member of 02 Green in Poortjie, a role that has allowed me to connect with people, initiate positive change, and pursue my aspirations. Though I initially perceived Poortjie as more of an informal settlement compared to Pretoria, I have grown to appreciate the community and have called it home for many years.

The transformation of Poortjie through the tree sector has captivated me. Witnessing the development and introduction of greenery and beauty to the community has been remarkable. While I have a heart for teaching and nurturing young minds, I find great purpose in engaging in community-based projects. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to be part of meaningful change through projects like those supported by 02 Green.

My passion lies in being a force for positive change within the community and making a difference in the lives of the next generation.

My social handles: Tentswalote@gmail.com

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I was alone at home. This guy I knew from my village just came over. At that time, l didn’t know anything about sex. I was just a young woman, and I  didn’t know anything.

We were joking around and playing.

After a while, he said, “I want to show you something. I want to teach you something. I want to have sex with you.’

I said,  “Wow, l didn’t even ever do that. Why?”

Then he said, “You have grown up, you are a woman now.”

l said, “No, l am still young.” Then he forced me to do that thing. I did it.

l didn’t know what was going to happen.

I decided to tell my mom when I was 5 months pregnant.

I told my mom that l was pregnant.

My mom said, “What have you done to me as a family? What have you done because you are just a little girl in the family. You are the only one. My daughter, what have you done?”

My mom decided, “It is my child not yours. You have to give a birth, then l will raise that child as mine.”

l am just a young lady in my village. The people respect me. They don’t even know that this girl has a baby. l gave birth when l was 18. l did it, and it was painful.

l decided to give birth to him just because of love. I want to tell people, especially young people, whatever happened to you, just be strong. Just hold on to your dream.

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It is always so exciting when you have to furnish your home for the very first time. You usually have dreams of how you want to live, how you want your home to look, how you want it to feel, and the kinds of memories you want to build in that home. This is usually all good until you realize just how much work it is to furnish your home. Making your home resemble what you consider your ‘dream home’ is time-consuming and financially straining. What I learned about furnishing two houses is that no amount of money can buy style and character (which is usually essential to transform your house into your dream home). While being able to buy everything brand new may seem more manageable and the quickest option, there is still something to be said about buying second-hand home goods.

With renovation expenses piling up and bills to pay, our second home has taken some time to furnish, unlike our first home. Over a year in, we are still not done because we have been sourcing most of our furniture and home goods from second-hand stores, streets vendors and even home goods from friends. As a homebody who loves having a peaceful place to call home, it has taken some adjusting to accept that things won’t happen in a flash and that our home will take some time to finalize. Furnishing our second home has taught us so much about how we actually live in our space rather than how we think we live in our space. In other words, I have been able to reflect on the space we have in both our homes, and I have been able to internalize how to use this space in the most beneficial ways. This experience has also taught us how to spend more consciously, knowing exactly how and where to use the items bought rather than how we think they will or should be used. It has also allowed us to find one of a kind pieces that no one else has in their homes—some of which I see moving with us to our various homes in the future.

However, the most important lesson from the whole process has been around waste and quality. While most ‘fast furniture’ places are very good at making you feel like you need X and Y furniture or home goods. The truth is, in time, those items ware out (and fast at that). This means that you have to replace them more often, unlike older solid pieces that wear beautifully and don’t need changing that often. Furthermore, unless you are lucky enough to have an endless budget, the reality is that an Ikea type shop might be your go-to, but based on my experience, I would suggest that you think of how you want to live and how long such the item to last before making such a purchase. After that, try looking at second-hand or charity shops for alternatives. Not only will you get time to think through your purchase, but you may also be lucky enough to find something more budget-friendly than the fast furniture item you were about to buy. And if it is that exact Ikea piece you want or needs, then look at second-hand shopping platforms like a Facebook marketplace for gently used modern (and older) items. Trust me, you will thank me later. And you can rest a little easier knowing that you are doing your part for the environment.

While we may think waste only happens with clothes and food. The stark reality I have recently become aware of is that, in actual fact, waste happens in every area of life, from food to clothes and even big-ticket items like furniture. So if you are updating your current place or recently moved to a new home, I highly recommend that you buy second-hand or, if you are handy, find ways to repurpose pieces you already have.

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When it comes to the environment, it can be hard to figure out how you can contribute towards solving some of its problems. With everything currently happening with our environment, taking action can be really overwhelming. I thought I would compile a list of the actions that I usually take to live more sustainably. I try to apply these into my daily life, and it makes everything about the issue around our environment seem a little less overwhelming. This is what I do: 

1. Eat less meat: As a meat lover myself, I know how hard it can be to cut out meat. However, given how much meat we eat nowadays, I personally think it is borderline excessive. This is why cutting back a few days is a good idea. This has been good for my wallet, and it is also really good for the environment. Meat production and consumption contribute towards a large number of carbon emissions, and it depletes so much of our natural resources. 
2. Use reusable bottles: In our house, we have a few reusable glass bottles, and I carry mine pretty much everywhere. You also don’t have to get too fancy with it. Just any good glass bottle that you can throw in your bag will do. Plastic bottles are known to contribute to the tons of plastic pollution that reaches our oceans, kills our marine life and limit the oceans’ ability to sequestrate carbon.
3. Say no to plastic: Similar to the point above, cutting out plastic bottles, bags, and straws is much easier now that restaurants and shops have started offering alternatives. But instead of buying paper ones, opt for cotton bags that you can buy anywhere nowadays, and take them with you whenever you go shopping. 
4. Fly less: This is a controversial one for so many. As an expat living in France who would like to go home twice a year, I know that flying is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. This is why I am cutting back on my family trips. Yes, I will still go and visit my family, but I will be a bit more conscious about the number of times I fly to see them. Furthermore, as our 2022 resolution, my family and I have decided to travel locally as much as possible. Or use more environmentally sound transportation such as trains and buses. It is not ideal, but I know that cutting back even one flight lowers my carbon footprint by a lot. 
5. Pick up litter: This one is a small act that can go far. As a mom, I must teach my daughter not to litter. I find myself often picking up litter on walks and hikes and throwing them away in the appropriate places. Now I watch in awe as my daughter, who is nearly two years old, does the same. 

Lastly, and I won’t really put it as a point as it is just a general thought, but I am realizing more and more, especially as we talk about it on She Evolves, that one way to be truly sustainable is to take less from the environment than we put in. This means planting more trees, using less electricity, being conscious about how much water we use and how much waste we produce. So whatever you do, do it with the intention of giving more than you take from the world because it is the only world we have, and if we don’t take care of it, no one will. 

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On October 28th, 2019, I got off from bed to prepare to go to the hospital for my recurring cancer, post-surgery results. It was around 3 am, I had not slept a wink, and it was precisely an hour fifteen minutes before the transport would show up outside my uni residence to pick me up. So I had to get ready despite having puffy eyes and a sleep-deprived body.

Throughout the trip to the hospital, everything went completely off-track. It was like I was moving in slow motion and watching my life pass me by—quite an uncomfortable feeling. Until 3 hours later, when I arrived at the hospital, the oncology department.

I had already convinced myself- what’s the point? Whether the results come back positive or negative, it will all come down to one thing. Hope. If the results came back positive for cancer, I would have to continue to hope that it’ll all go away one day. Or that at least I would live long enough to have a good-paying career and do great things for my mother. And if it came back negative, I would still hope that it doesn’t come back in a few months or years to come like it did the last two times.

The results came back NEGATIVE. Yay. Congratulations, you are finally in remission, my doctor enthusiastically told me. Should I cry? Jump? Celebrate? Ring a bell?… What now? I had so many questions, and confusion railed my mind like a busied peak-hour traffic.

In the end, I chose to do nothing. But to continue living my life as nothing had happened. I bottled it all up. I didn’t climb the mountain tops and shout with joy, “I beat cancer AGAIN.” I didn’t want to be the inspirational, brave and resilient young black woman I was a few years back. And I didn’t want to write another blog about how God saved me from the pits. Because what if it comes back AGAIN.

As I reflect on the past few years, I realise I have robbed myself of the vast and earnest beauty of the joy of the unknown. I have been focusing more on what if it comes back—and ignoring the possibility of what if it doesn’t. So as a gift for myself. Or rather let’s call it a new year’s resolution; I have decided to be a little bit easy on myself. To focus more on the positive and to give joy, happiness and the beauty that comes with uncertainty a room in my life. I have decided to accept change and allow myself to transition through every phase (good or bad) with grace. And finally, I have decided to carry hope around with me everywhere I go. Like a badge of honour willing me forward.

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Over the past week, I have been watching  video after video, and reading article after article on medical kidnapping. A phenomenon that up until a week ago I knew very little about. Like most people the hospital and police have always been a source of comfort in life’s chaos. Something to turn to when you are not sure what to do. But what happens when that protection, guidance and healing turns against you? Where else do you turn? This is the question that comes to mind when we talk about medical kidnapping. A phenomenon that has been happing for some time in the US and possibly in other parts of the world. But what is medical kidnapping?

Medical kidnapping definition

Medical kidnapping is defined as “the state taking away children from their parents and putting them into state custody and the foster care system, simply because the parents did not agree with a doctor regarding their prescribed medical treatment for the family.”. Or in some cases when children are taken away from their parents when health care providers sense impropriety with no actual evidence.

Example of medical kidnapping

The idea of medical kidnapping first made it into my purview when I saw a story about it on Instagram. In the story, a woman of color shares how her child was taken away from her after a hospital visit after the child showed signs of dehydration. After expressing the concerns with her pediatrician abut her child refusing foods and liquids after she had to stop breastfeeding. She was worried that her child was not getting enough nutrients or liquids in the summer heat. After her doctor told her to keep trying and call the following week.

The woman decided to go get another opinion at her local hospital. Especially as her child was showing signs of dehydration. Whilst there, a group of nurses reported her to police who arrived on the scene and took her child away. Even after she showed proof that she had tried to get help AND the fact that she was the one who had brought her child in. Something a neglagent mother would not do. To this day she is fighting the state for custody of her own child as soon the child will be put into forster care, something any mother would not want for their child.

Who does this happen to?

Whilst medical kidnapping can happen to anyone. The current trend is that it happens to more non-white families than white families. This is even more true in states in the United States where non-whites are a minority.

How to protect yourself from medical kidnapping.

Whilst there is no right answer. The first step would be to keep track of all medical appointments and show that you actually do care for your child. It is also vital to have more than one person present at hospital visits so you have someone to corroborate your story. Beyond that there is not much to be said except that I hope, as a mother myself that this would not happen to any mother, no matter their race, age or creed.

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I was recently watching the movie the other women when a line I had heard before but never paid much attention to stood out for me. In the movie (spoiler alert) a housewife finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with another women. She confronts said woman and tries to get the details of the affair including how many times they had sex. In one instance the mistress says they have had sex about 50 times in the two months they have been together, to which the housewife responds “do you not have have a job, do you not have hobbies?”. And whilst this one line is meant to be taken in a light hearted manner, it does get to an important point.

That even if one is married or in a relationship, it is a good idea to have other interests. Which got me thinking? As a mom, wife and friend, I often find there is very little time for me at the end of the day. Whether it’s work, my husband, chores or a busy toddler, the idea of hobbies is almost laughable. But it shouldn’t be. especially in todays high stress day.

And whilst I’d love to say that scrolling through instagram is a hobby. It is not. And rightfully so. The Oxford dictionary describes a hobby as “An activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure.”. And whilst some people may argue that leisure time is not important, it is in fact an important part of self care. Of connecting with ourselves outside of others. A way to explore, expand on and harness new talents. For a while (before becoming a mother) cooking was my hobby. But nowadays it is more of a chore than a hobby. Which is why I am adamant to find new ways of growing and spending time alone that is both fulfilling and relaxing.

Some hobby ideas include knitting, painting, reading, learning a sport like tennis or golf. Sewing or anything else that interests you. The best thing about a hobby is also that it need not be too serious or too difficult. It is after all intended to help you relax, instead of cause you more stress. So this week while you take on all your responsibilities and chores. Take a moment to think about some hobbies you could be interested in. And then start doing one as often as possible. If you find yourself bored or stress, find another and another until you find one that meets your personal needs.

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As a self proclaimed meat lover. If someone had told me years ago that I would even consider cutting out meat during the week, I would not have believed them. In part because growing up, a meal always consisted of 3 things; Meat, starch and vegetables. Which is why when I got older, i almost always applied the same formula. But as someone who actually doesn’t love red meat all that much. And with a toddler who likes eating everything I eat, I decided to change things up a bit.

Which is when my husband and I decided to go meat free during the week. Whilst this move is in no way revolutionary. It did change the way we saw food and actually (gasp) made me not miss meat as much. So much so that now we are finding ourselves with a freezer full of meat that we need to eat soon. And whilst I try stick by this rule as much as I can. I am not too strict and use it as a way to simplify our lives and model eating vegetables to our daughter. Since then however, I have noticed that when I do practice eating less meat, I often find that I have more energy. My bowl movements are more regular (sorry, TMI) and my body and skin look and feel better.

And whilst this way of eating may not work for everyone. It is worth a try, even if it’s one day a week. In part because I realized as I started to eat and cook more vegetables that there was a world of possibilities that I had not seen before where meals could be tasty and healthy all at once. Furthermore, I realized that I actually didn’t need or really crave meat or feel like I was missing out on something. And lastly, with several friends who are vegetarian or vegan. Having them over for meals has become a breeze as I have an arsenal of recipes to turn to that are tasty and veggie packed.

The biggest and best change however is seeing how much my daughter has taken to vegetables. Whilst often reserved or pushed to the side at meals. When there is no other option (aka meat) and tons of care, time and flavor, veggies can be as exciting and tasty as any other food group. So if you are looking to up your nutritional intake, get healthier, or simply try something new. I would highly recommend giving this eating habit (or something that suits you and your family best) a try.

On top of that as meat is hellishly expensive in France. Which means that we save so much money when we eat less meat. Which is motivation enough to keep going. Would you consider this type of eating style or habits?

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