South Africa: From silence to strength - Reclaiming her voice through healing and leadership

For years, Anele Shinga carried emotional wounds that few people could see. Growing up in 

Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal, she experienced the trauma of losing her mother at a young age and endured years of rejection and emotional pain. While writing poetry gave her an outlet to express her feelings, those closest to her often misunderstood her words. Instead of finding support, she felt increasingly isolated and learned to hide her emotions.

Over time, the unresolved trauma affected her self-esteem and left her struggling with anger and resentment. The emotional burden became so overwhelming that it began affecting her relationship with her young child through excessive discipline. Recognising that she needed help, Anele reached out to uThando Restoration Centre.

Through its Women's Voice and Leadership Project, uThando Restoration Centre supports women affected by trauma and gender inequality by promoting healing, personal development, leadership and economic empowerment. The programme helps women rebuild their confidence, strengthen their wellbeing and become active agents of change in their families and communities.

For Anele, seeking support marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.

After approaching the organisation, she was referred to Lifeline for professional counselling. 

She also participated in personal development programmes and make-up skills training designed to strengthen her confidence and improve her wellbeing. These interventions provided a safe space for her to confront the pain she had carried for years and develop healthier ways of managing her emotions.

As her healing journey progressed, Anele began volunteering with uThando Restoration Centre. Through serving others, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Her confidence grew, and she gradually transformed from someone struggling with low self-worth into a woman committed to uplifting others.

Most significantly, Anele reconnected with her passion for poetry.

What was once a private coping mechanism became a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. Today, she performs her original poems at community events, using her voice to raise awareness about gender-based violence and inspire hope among women and young people facing similar challenges.

Her dedication and personal growth did not go unnoticed. Following her work as a volunteer, Anele was recruited as a Community Ambassador, a leadership role that allows her to support other vulnerable women while contributing to positive change in her community.

Reflecting on her journey, Anele says:

“uThando Restoration Centre had a huge impact on my life. I grew up in an abusive family, and while I was pregnant, my baby's father left me. I was carrying a lot of emotional pain and struggled with anger. The organisation referred me to counselling, where I learned how to heal and manage my emotions in a healthy way. Their support helped me regain my confidence and find my purpose. Today, I am proud to be a Community Ambassador for the organisation. I use my talent for poetry to inspire young people and encourage others who have gone through difficult experiences. I am deeply grateful to Ma'am Dlamini and uThando Restoration Centre for believing in me and helping me become the person I am today.”

The impact of Anele's transformation is visible not only in her own life but also in the lives of those around her.

Her sister, Andile Shinga, has witnessed the changes firsthand and describes a woman who has rediscovered herself.

“The change I've witnessed in my sister after counselling has been nothing short of beautiful. She has become the humble, kind-hearted person we knew before anger took over her life.  Today, she is loving, patient, and incredibly supportive. She has become the person our family turns to for guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. She now spends quality time with the children, telling them stories that teach important life lessons. Their behaviour has improved because they admire and trust her. Counselling didn't change who she was - it helped her find herself again. We are so proud of the woman, mother, sister, and role model she has become.”

Anele's growth has also been recognised by the organisation that supported her journey. 

According to Mavis Nontuthuzeko Dlamini, Centre Manager at uThando Restoration 

Centre, Anele's story demonstrates the far-reaching impact of investing in women's healing and leadership.

“Watching Anele's journey has reminded us why we do this work. She came to us carrying deep emotional wounds and fearing that her unresolved pain was affecting her child. Today, she is a confident Community Ambassador who uses her gift of poetry to inspire hope and advocate against gender-based violence. Her story shows that when women are given the opportunity to heal, they not only transform their own lives but also become leaders who inspire change in others.”

Today, Anele continues to mentor and support vulnerable women and girls through her role as a Community Ambassador. She remains committed to using poetry as a platform for advocacy, speaking out against gender-based violence and encouraging others to seek help and healing.

Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible. With the right support, opportunities and belief in their potential, women can overcome trauma, rebuild their confidence and emerge as leaders within their communities.

From a young woman silenced by pain and rejection to a confident advocate inspiring others through poetry and leadership, Anele's journey reflects the transformative power of counselling, community support and personal resilience. Her voice, once hidden, is now helping others find their own.