Reaching Out For Help And To Spread Hope

Warm greetings

I am Othandwayo Zine Mbelekwana. A 15 year-old girl from the Mother City. A part of me wishes I could say my life has been a walk in the park but the truth is it has been super tough. Funny enough, the other part of me wouldn't change that for anything because it's the same toughness that has made me the matured, strong person I am today. 

Just to give you a bit of background information...I grew up in an informal settlement known as Barcelona with my hard-working mother and 3 older sisters. Like any other family we argue then have 'I know it's your turn but I'll wash the dishes for you' make up sessions. But because of the alcohol consumption, use of drugs, crimes and killings we've always been exposed to in our area...it was sometimes hard to keep a positive mind-set. What made things worse was seeing my mother being stabbed and killed by a drunk and high neighbour in 2018. A sad and traumatic night I'll never forget. To start my healing process I went for free counselling sessions offered by the Western Cape Government. The other 2 things that are helping me heal are my love for reading and writing and passion for dancing. As a result, I dream of becoming a writer or famous dancer...if not both. 

Until then I write this as a way of asking for financial support only because we're all facing a global pandemic that has taken away jobs that my sisters had to support our family. That or a small prayer for beautiful doors to open up for us because we'd also appreciate that.

Feel free to also send any questions or suggestions to our family email address which is [email protected].

Thanks a lot for taking time to read this and stay smiling!