Articles – Heartlines

My mother made it look easy

Many of us grow up thinking our mothers are supermoms, but it’s only when you become a parent yourself that you begin to really understand the sacrifices that make mothers real-life heroes.

My mother gave me up for adoption

Mmashikwane’s view and experience of family changed radically when she was ten. Hers is a story of learning the value of family and community.

Motherhood brought me home

Motherhood brought with it a gift of love, but it also brought Morongoa necessary, tough lessons about life. When she became a mother, she began to understand her mother’s perspective.

Pregnant at 17: all I wanted was to be free

Falling pregnant at age seventeen seemed to be the end of Nontokozo’s world. Her dreams had to be put on hold, and a degree seemed like a distant possibility.

One Can Be Free and Still Be A Slave

Moss Ntlha reflects on life as an unfree person under the oppressive system of apartheid. He also offers encouragement for how to live fully as a free person under a democratic SA.

Their Residences Were For White Students Only

When I applied to Rhodes University I was told there was no accommodation for me – their residences were for white students only.

In 2003 the white church leaders of our town repented to the black church leaders of our town for the sins of Apartheid. In 2008, we repented for the sins of Apartheid in the Mpumalanga government, and in 2017 we repented in the Parliament of South Africa.

I Lost My Daughter to Cancer

Dear O, I miss you dearly, it’s been a while but I will be fine. Days are getting better, and everyone is doing just fine. Mommy is imagining a twenty-year old you, in varsity and living your fullest life. I imagine your daily phone call, asking me all sorts of life questions.

Mitchells Plain exposed me to gangsterism

A potentially fatal eye operation and growing up in a community often notorious for drugs and gangsterism could not stop Lance from achieving his goals.

Best Achievement in Editing Nomination

Well deserved SAFTA nom for Nicholas Costaras, a real whizz at this editing and special effects thing!

Beyond the River Cinematography

Well-deserved SAFTA nom for Trevor Calverley, who brought soul and vigour to every shot, especially those epic river and landscape shots! Here’s a peek of the action

I Took His Shame and Made It My Identity

Connie’s life has been a rollercoaster from an early age. The sexual abuse she endured during the time her family lived in a squatter camp was the beginning of a tough road that would include anorexia, drugs, abuse, infidelity, prostitution and her daughter’s suicide. Against all odds, Connie triumphed.

Heartlines