South Africa: Finding Her Voice

“To be part of the Vulamehlo Project makes me realise that if you want to help someone with a problem, you must listen without judging. Ask questions that show you care and help them see solutions for themselves.”

These words from Zanele Ngema, a gatekeeper with Justice and Women (JAW) in Mthonjaneni, KwaZulu-Natal, capture the essence of her transformation through the Women’s Voice and Leadership-SA (WVL-SA) programme. Her journey is a testament to the power of listening, empathy, and dialogue in breaking cycles of conflict and gender-based oppression.

Finding Her Voice

Zanele is a mother of three, living with her partner close to her family homestead. Before joining the Vulamehlo Project, family disputes and community conflicts often left her feeling powerless. “Being part of Vulamehlo helped me a lot,” she says. “Now I can sort my own problems properly. I can talk to my partner about issues and find solutions together without fighting — something we couldn’t do before.”

This shift in communication has strengthened her relationship and given her confidence to support others. “I learned that jumping in to solve people’s problems doesn’t help. Listening carefully without judgment allows them to find their own solutions.”

Helping Others Through Dialogue

Zanele’s new skills have already made a difference. When a friend struggled to repay a loan in a savings group, Zanele sat down with her to explore options. “We talked about what she needed to do to pay back. It wasn’t about giving answers but helping her think through solutions.”

Her most profound experience came when tensions rose between her mother and sister-in-law. Gossip was spreading, and Zanele feared the conflict could escalate. “I decided to visit them because if my brother got involved, it would end badly,” she recalls. She listened to both sides and discovered the root cause: lack of communication.

“I explained that talking openly is important. Sharing problems with friends or neighbours doesn’t help — it opens the door for enemies to destroy the family.” Her intervention helped restore peace and reminded everyone of the value of dialogue.

A New Perspective on Power

Through Vulamehlo, Zanele gained insights into gender and power dynamics. “I understand now why men sometimes become aggressive when they are unemployed. Society pressures them, and they take it out on their partners.”

This awareness has shaped how she raises her children. “I teach my sons and daughters that power should be shared, not used to dominate. Healthy relationships are built on respect and communication.”

The Role of WVL-SA and JAW

The transformation in Zanele’s life is deeply linked to the support from Justice and Women (JAW) through the WVL-SA grant. The project provided tools for conflict resolution, gender awareness, and community leadership. “It opened my eyes,” Zanele says. “Now I can help others while building peace in my own family.”

Looking Ahead

Zanele plans to continue using her skills to strengthen families and communities. Her story demonstrates how listening and empathy can prevent violence and foster harmony — values that ripple beyond households into society.

Closing Reflection

Zanele Ngema is a true Driver of Change. Her journey from conflict to empowerment shows that when women are equipped with knowledge and confidence, they become catalysts for transformation in their homes and communities.

By: Zanele Ngema.