When we share our stories, understanding, empathy and trust grow. Our relationships improve and we get a stronger sense of community. At Heartlines, we’ve seen how story-sharing has impacted and connected thousands of people beyond anything we could have imagined. Here are some of those stories.

All stories

KZN Bridge Feature Image

Effective community mediation begins with empathy

Nobody wins during community unrest. At our recent peace-building Bridge event with clerics in the KZN region, the sentiment was clear: we cannot stand by idly and let division and unrest unfold. We need more community mediators.

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Building peace is the work of the Church

"The Church needs to become mediators in the event of unrest. We need to represent to people what peace is. Churches should be a place of refuge to all, regardless of whether they are members or not.” – Rev. Samu Khanyile

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Dr J at Rosebank Union 2
Bonolo Mokua

We need our elders' stories

When elders share their stories, it bridges generational gaps, fosters understanding, and creates a sense of continuity between the past, present and future.

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Foreign nationals living in Johannesburg talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home

Foreign nationals talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home

The Sister Mura Foundation is providing medical, financial, and emotional support while upskilling foreign nationals living with HIV/AIDS in SA.

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I was born into it

From the moment he was born, Judge Albie Sachs’ path as a revolutionary was set. He was named after Albert Nzula, an activist and writer.

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Why can't it finally be fair?

Mzamo, Lebogang and Neliswa discuss their experiences of race, racism and micro-aggressions in democratic South Africa.

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Preston

The Story of Preston Jongbloed

As a young boy growing up in Heideveld on the Cape Flats, Preston Jongbloed dreamed about becoming a professional football player and flying on a plane.

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David’s love letter

His only connection to his birth mother is a letter, two pieces of gold jewellery, and a teddy bear. Now he wants to know more about the mother who gave him up for adoption as a baby.

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Coloured

A lot of people can’t relate to how apartheid affected Coloured people

Growing up under the apartheid regime, René recalls how her own family was almost torn apart because of different skin tones.

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Arlene

Arlene's triumph over tragedy

Arlene August tragically lost both parents as a teenager – a loss that impacted her even more after she got married.

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