SHE'S been through hell and back.
A recovering drug addict, rape survivor, and young mum spoke about her struggles, including community bullying, family rejection, and the long-term trauma of sexual violence and addiction.
But she refused to look down on herself.
In a moving display of courage, a 22-year-old woman from Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, shared her difficult life story at a recent seminar hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development on Monday, 18 August.
Her testimony, which included experiences with substance abuse, sexual violence, and family rejection, prompted the department to offer immediate assistance.
During the seminar held at the Birchwood Hotel, she described a life marked by significant trauma.
"I was raped as a young girl in a park not far from my home and my mother, who struggled with alcoholism, blamed me for the attack," she claimed.
As if that was not enough, at the age of 18, she learnt that her dad, whom she thought was dead, was in prison.
"I was happy that I found him and for the first time I would find myself," she said.
Tragically, reconnecting with him only introduced her to drugs.
"He taught me how to use drugs and where to get them and this turned my life for the worse," she claimed.
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Moved by the young woman's bravery, Phumla Xaba, the Gauteng Department of Social Development's Director for Gender, Youth and Disability Mainstreaming, committed to providing her with a second chance.
The department plans to facilitate her admission into a Skills Development Centre to gain culinary and other skills to improve her life.
She's not only been offered a path toward empowerment and a new beginning, but the department said the intervention will also include crucial psychological support to help her heal from her past.
"She has endured more than most people ever should. We believe she deserves a second chance at life, and we are ready to walk that journey with her," said Xaba.
As the seminar ended, the young woman expressed hope for a future where her identity and safety are respected.
"She has endured more than most people ever should. We believe she deserves a second chance at life, and we are ready to walk that journey with her," added Xaba.
