By escaping into an imaginary world where a young girl overcomes all obstacles thrown her way, Ayabonga Mhlana was able to survive and even thrive at a time in her life when she was unsure of what path to follow.
She writes a story about challenges faced by young girls heading households in her book, which she hopes will inspire other young women in similar situations.
Twenty-year-old Mhlana, who hails from Scenery Park in East London, debuted her self-published novel I Will Not Cry at a lavish launch hosted by the Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre last Friday.
The second-year student at University of Fort Hare studying towards a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, got the attention of the centre because of their advocacy work against women abuse.
Mhlana said I Will Not Cry was her way of picking herself up.
The book is about a 15-year-old girl, Gugu, who is left to raise her two siblings after her mother dies from HIV/Aids.
Long after they have been fending for themselves, she is taken in by her aunt who emotionally abuses her before she kicks them out. Gugu is then raped by her aunt’s husband.
“I wanted to create a platform where youngsters could relate, so they know they are not alone, tell the story of what is happening within communities and inspire change.
“I was inspired by the urgency to let them know that we are not victims, not even of circumstances, and we could be strong if we chose to be.
“So this was me trying to be brave and wanting to prove to every young person that we are responsible for achieving our own dreams, regardless how difficult our situation may seem.”
Mhlana said she wrote the story at a time in her life when she was depressed after being rejected at several tertiary institutions after her matric year.
“My peers were chasing their dreams and achieving goals we had set together. I thought my life had come to a screeching halt, until the day I decided, ‘I will not cry’.
“I realised my peers were going through a whole lot worse, taking into account those living with HIV, Aids, and child abuse – which in my opinion is not being thoroughly dealt with.”
Mhlana said her book should find appeal with parents who forbid their children from following their dreams, unaware of how crippling it is to a child’s emotions and to those who exercise their authoritative power in a manner that is harmful to children.
Mhlana applauded the Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre for hosting the book launch, and for giving her the opportunity to meet other young people who shared their stories.
The book is listed on publisher.co.za, while an eBook version is currently in production. It can be purchased at R150 from Mhlana on 074-033-4114. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Author inspires women with story of hope
She writes a story about challenges faced by young girls heading households in her book, which she hopes will inspire other young women in similar situations.
Twenty-year-old Mhlana, who hails from Scenery Park in East London, debuted her self-published novel I Will Not Cry at a lavish launch hosted by the Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre last Friday.
The second-year student at University of Fort Hare studying towards a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, got the attention of the centre because of their advocacy work against women abuse.
Mhlana said I Will Not Cry was her way of picking herself up.
The book is about a 15-year-old girl, Gugu, who is left to raise her two siblings after her mother dies from HIV/Aids.
Long after they have been fending for themselves, she is taken in by her aunt who emotionally abuses her before she kicks them out. Gugu is then raped by her aunt’s husband.
“I wanted to create a platform where youngsters could relate, so they know they are not alone, tell the story of what is happening within communities and inspire change.
“I was inspired by the urgency to let them know that we are not victims, not even of circumstances, and we could be strong if we chose to be.
“So this was me trying to be brave and wanting to prove to every young person that we are responsible for achieving our own dreams, regardless how difficult our situation may seem.”
Mhlana said she wrote the story at a time in her life when she was depressed after being rejected at several tertiary institutions after her matric year.
“My peers were chasing their dreams and achieving goals we had set together. I thought my life had come to a screeching halt, until the day I decided, ‘I will not cry’.
“I realised my peers were going through a whole lot worse, taking into account those living with HIV, Aids, and child abuse – which in my opinion is not being thoroughly dealt with.”
Mhlana said her book should find appeal with parents who forbid their children from following their dreams, unaware of how crippling it is to a child’s emotions and to those who exercise their authoritative power in a manner that is harmful to children.
Mhlana applauded the Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre for hosting the book launch, and for giving her the opportunity to meet other young people who shared their stories.
The book is listed on publisher.co.za, while an eBook version is currently in production. It can be purchased at R150 from Mhlana on 074-033-4114. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
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