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.

Do you have a story that everyone needs to hear? We want to hear it! Share your story here.

Video stories

Audio stories

Written stories

All stories

Overcoming prejudice at work and in sports

The journey across the racial divide to shared empathy has been – and still is – a difficult and complex one, but stories like Zikisa’s and Maqubela's give us hope.

I didn't want to be a statistic

"I've got to make the decision, do I want to be a statistic, or do I want to be there for my girls?" Tracy and her daughters share their courageous story of leaving a home filled with abuse and violence.

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.

Black Twitter found my father in 24 hours

Sara-Jayne King tells us about how her mother gave her up for adoption in England and upon her return to South Africa, told everyone she was dead. She also tells us how Black Twitter helped her find her biological father in 24 hours.

Cecilia's triumph against cancer

Cecilia's battle with cancer was tough. Just when she thought it was over, the cancer recurred, and she had to have a mastectomy.

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.

Defying culture

Cultural norms and traditions are beautiful and complex, but in Nellie’s case, they were used as a weapon against her.

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.

My mother gave me up for adoption

Mmashikwane’s view and experience of family changed radically when she was 10. Hers is a story of learning the value of family and community.

My life was not worth living

A young woman tells her story of overcoming guilt and finding fresh strength for life.

Depression made me feel weak

When Anela’s depression became more severe, she thought that suicide was the only option. She recounts the story of how it brought her to a halt, and how, eventually, she survived.

You have to move on

Telling your story of forgiveness can help you gain freedom and move on with your life – even when the tragedy you have faced is too huge for words.

What's your story