Have you ever felt alone in a crowd — with your family, friends, or even your partner?
If so, you’re not alone. That was me too. I often felt lonely, and no matter what I did, nothing seemed to cure my unique case of loneliness. I tried surrounding myself with…
Gardening has always been a significant part of my life and family story. When I was growing up, it provided us with food security and became a source of income for my mother, who sold vegetables to support our household. Later, it played another meaningful role in my family…
I became my mother’s caregiver when I was just four years old.
My mother was from Opuwo, in the Kunene region of Namibia. When I was four, she became very ill. In our area, people strongly believed in witchcraft. They thought her sickness was caused by something supernatural, something that…
My name is Zinhle Ndyike, and I’m from the Vaal Triangle, specifically in Meyerton/Highbury-Henley on Klip. I want to take a moment to share my story in the hope that it reaches those who have ever felt overlooked, belittled, or underestimated. I understand how isolating those feelings can be,…
Trees of life
The sweet smell of oranges
Their juices trickling and dribbling down our cheeks
Wetting our throats
Quenching our thirsts
Its nectar tickling our buds
Providing of needed vitamins and great health
Beautiful and majestic indigenous trees
Nourishing earth
Soothing the ozone layer
Giving us life
So we can breathe again
Engulfed in their shade
Toxic fumes tampered by their…
I have fewer stories hanging on my gullet.
Untold stories of moments we shared,
and the laughter that quaked the room.
This is because I do not write in times of happiness.
I went through my pieces—
they carry grief like an infant,
cradled in my mind to this day.
Darkness overshadowed those moments,
or perhaps I…
I was not born into wealth, but I was born with something far greater: a vision.
From a young age, I refused to believe that riches should measure happiness. Instead, I dreamed of a world where kindness and purpose defined success.
Growing up in Africa, I saw the need for change,…