South Africa: Change Begins from Within

A Journey of Transformation

“I was rude towards the facilitator, however, Scaps was able to calm me down and teach me ways to communicate with others.” These words capture the beginning of Lebogang Martins’ journey. A story of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Lebo, a member of Lebo Basadi and Livhu Vhasadi Foundation in Evaton, Gauteng, never imagined that attending a feminist political education session would change her life so profoundly.

Her first encounter with the One in Nine Campaign was challenging. The session focused on the difficulties women face. Prejudice, discrimination, and hate. For Lebo, these discussions struck a deep chord, reflecting her own lived experiences. Yet, she was defensive and reluctant to participate, fearing judgement and exposure. “How can a homosexual person be HIV positive?” she thought, echoing the misconceptions that had shaped her life.

Facing the Hard Truth

In 2014, Lebo discovered she was HIV positive, a moment that shattered her world. For four years, she lived in denial, convinced that her identity as a lesbian made her immune to the virus. It was only in 2018, after a severe illness nearly claimed her life, that reality sank in. Accepting her status was agonising, but it marked the beginning of a new chapter. “I believed it was impossible for a lesbian to be HIV positive because I didn’t understand how the virus could be transmitted,” Lebo recalls. Her journey to acceptance was not just about health, it was about dismantling harmful myths and reclaiming her sense of self-worth.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Initially, Lebo resisted the sessions. She feared judgement and isolation, assuming others shared her misconceptions. But the unwavering support of the One in Nine team changed everything. “They never gave up on me,” she says. Her turning point came during a heated moment in a session when she lashed out at the facilitator. Instead of reacting harshly, Scaps, a team member, calmed her and taught her constructive ways to communicate. That moment planted the seeds of change.

Gradually, Lebo began to open up, embracing the lessons of feminism and activism. She learned empathy, respect, and accountability. Values that reshaped her relationships. “My attitude towards life and other people has changed because I now believe every action has a reaction,” she reflects. Her transformation was so visible that it inspired a friend to join the programme, strengthening their bond and expanding the circle of change.

Impact Beyond the Individual

The ripple effects of Lebo’s growth extended to her family. Once disrespectful towards her stepfather, she now treats him with appreciation and respect. In turn, her family listens to her voice and values her opinions. “Because of my change in attitude, my family respects me,” she says proudly.

Her involvement with Lebo Basadi deepened as she actively participated in campaigns and events. She volunteers at the organisation’s offices and continues to champion feminist principles in the queer space. For Lebo, activism is not just a role, it is a calling.

Lessons Learned and Shared

Through One in Nine, Lebo gained more than knowledge; she acquired life skills that empower her daily. She learned not to take criticism personally, to avoid judgement, and to care about others’ feelings. These lessons have fortified her resilience and strengthened her commitment to social justice.

“The change in my life influenced my friend to join the One in Nine project because she could see the difference it made in my life,” Lebo shares. Her story is a testament to the power of education, empathy, and persistence in breaking cycles of stigma and silence.

A Driver of Change

Today, Lebo stands tall as a driver of change. A woman who turned adversity into advocacy. Her journey reminds us that transformation begins from within, but its impact reaches far beyond the individual. By challenging misconceptions and embracing feminist values, Lebo has not only rewritten her own story but also inspired others to do the same.

By: Lebohang Martins