South Africa: Giving Back: Turning Pain into Purpose

Story 

“I want to give other children what I did not have.” 

These words from Khathutshelo Thangeni reflect a deep commitment born from a painful past. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation a journey from surviving abuse to creating safe spaces for vulnerable children. 

Khathutshelo’s childhood was marked by tragedy. Her parents passed away when she was just eight years old, leaving her in the care of her aunt and uncle. At first, her aunt treated her like one of her own children, but everything changed when Khathutshelo disclosed that her uncle had been molesting her since the age of 12. Instead of protection, she was met with disbelief. Her aunt accused her of lying, and the abuse continued unchecked. 

By the time she was 16, the situation had worsened. Her uncle began raping her regularly, and despite repeated pleas for help, her aunt did nothing. Home became a place of fear rather than safety. At 17, Khathutshelo made the brave decision to run away. She found refuge with her best friend and her family, a turning point that gave her a chance to rebuild her life. 

After completing Grade 12, Khathutshelo pursued social work, driven by a desire to help others who faced similar hardships. She volunteered for two years at the Mutale Victim Empowerment Programme, where she worked with survivors of abuse and vulnerable children. Today, she opened her own youth care center, providing food, clothing, and emotional support to homeless children and child-headed households. 

Her dream is to expand this initiative into a larger space a true home for children who have nowhere else to go. “I want to give other children what I did not have when I was growing up: love, care, and support from family,” she says. 

Khathutshelo’s story is a powerful reminder of why programmes like Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) matter. They don’t just empower individuals; they create ripple effects that transform communities. Through her work, Khathutshelo is breaking cycles of abuse and neglect, offering hope where there was once despair. 

Her journey speaks to the resilience of women and girls who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. It also underscores the urgent need to address gender-based violence and provide holistic support for survivor's economic empowerment, emotional healing, and safe spaces. 

Khathutshelo is not just giving back; she is building a future where every child feels loved, protected, and valued. 

By Khathu Nthangeni, Limpopo