Stories
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
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.
Read more about We need our elders' storiesForeign 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.
Read more about Foreign nationals talk about their struggles in finding a home away from homeI 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.
Read more about I was born into itWhy can't it finally be fair?
Mzamo, Lebogang and Neliswa discuss their experiences of race, racism and micro-aggressions in democratic South Africa.
Read more about Why can't it finally be fair?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.
Read more about The Story of Preston JongbloedDavid’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.
Read more about David’s love letterA 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.
Read more about A lot of people can’t relate to how apartheid affected Coloured peopleA dream deferred leads to a life of leadership and success
Olefile Masangane has achieved what he thought would be impossible.
Read more about A dream deferred leads to a life of leadership and successArlene's triumph over tragedy
Arlene August tragically lost both parents as a teenager – a loss that impacted her even more after she got married.
Read more about Arlene's triumph over tragedySharing her story to heal the wounds of her past
She has no regrets about her past despite a childhood filled with abuse and trauma.
Read more about Sharing her story to heal the wounds of her pastStorytelling breaks stereotypes about criminals
Father Babychan Arackathara has been working as a chaplain in SA’s prisons for over 20 years. He is an advocate of the human rights of prisoners and restorative justice, bringing healing to offenders as well as victims and their families.
Read more about Storytelling breaks stereotypes about criminalsLearning and loving through friendship
Justine and Ivy have decades between them, but their bond is made strong by mutual respect and love.
Read more about Learning and loving through friendship