South Africa: From Broken to Unbreakable: A Survivor's Journey of Strength and Hope

A Story of Courage and Transformation 

Mamzi’s story begins in Lesotho, where she grew up as a vibrant, passionate, and independent woman. Like many women striving for a better life, Mamzi turned to sex work as a means to support herself and her family. Her resilience and commitment to continuous learning made her stand out. But life’s unpredictability brought unimaginable pain. 

One day, Mamzi became a victim of gender-based violence at the hands of a client. The attack left her with severe physical injuries—bruises, broken bones, and internal trauma. Beyond the visible wounds, the experience inflicted deep emotional scars. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression became part of her reality. Trust issues made relationships difficult, and substance use became a coping mechanism. For years, Mamzi believed she would never return home to her family. 

The Turning Point 

Change came through the unwavering support of organizations committed to the rights and dignity of sex workers. After receiving emergency medical care, Mamzi was referred to Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she accessed one-stop services: medical treatment, counselling, and psychosocial support. Lifeline Northern Cape stepped in to secure safe shelter, provide food vouchers, dignity packs, and ongoing counselling. 

These interventions were not just about survival—they were about restoring hope. Through outreach programs and creative spaces facilitated by Sisonke, Mamzi found a community that listened, understood, and stood by her. Slowly, she began to heal. She stopped using substances, regained her confidence, and, most importantly, reconnected with her family after years of separation. 

Evidence of Change 

Mamzi’s progress is not just anecdotal—it is documented through continuous follow-ups and support. Her journey reflects the power of holistic care and advocacy. Today, she is a living testament to resilience and the impact of sustained interventions. 

Voices of Hope 

Sebongile Sekadi 
“Mamzi's story touched my heart. Seeing her rebuild her life is beautiful. Our work at Sisonke is vital for sex workers. If we are not there, I don’t know what would happen to our communities.” 

Zintle Tsholwana 
“Mamzi’s journey from victim to survivor shows the resilience of sex workers, even in a world where we are attacked and degraded. GBV is a pandemic, and it’s infuriating to see how little our government is doing to end it. But we will continue fighting—our lives depend on it.” 

‘Thandi’, Sex Worker from Yoeville 
“Ngiyabonga for creating this space for conversations. Even in hardship, we talk solutions and awareness that give us hope. I lost my culinary school certificates from moving around, but through this programme, I see an opportunity to teach other sex workers professional cooking skills.” 

Sustainability and Next Steps 

The work does not end here. Sisonke and its partners remain committed to consistency—following through on outcomes, initiating conversations that foster sustainability, and strengthening partnerships. The goal is clear: long-term impact that transforms lives and dismantles the systemic barriers that perpetuate violence and inequality. 

Why This Story Matters 

Mamzi’s journey is more than a personal triumph—it is a call to action. Gender-based violence against sex workers is a crisis that demands urgent attention. Through collective effort, advocacy, and compassion, we can create a world where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, lives free from violence and fear. 

By: Zintle Tsholwana.