South Africa: My Journey to the Front of the Room

A Story of Transformation and Courage

When Vinolia “Vee” Sadukwana walked into the Triangle Project offices as an intern in 2023, she carried more than just a CV. She brought lived experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice. A queer woman from the Cape Flats, Vee understood firsthand the isolation and vulnerability faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in rural and peri-urban communities. These communities were grappling with severe gaps in support systems particularly around gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence (IPV), and broader SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics) awareness.

For many, safe spaces to speak openly or seek help simply did not exist. Triangle Project’s Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme (CEEP) sought to change that, and Vee was determined to play her part. Initially, her role was behind the scenes, coordinating logistics, mobilising communities, and ensuring workshops ran smoothly. Facilitation was not part of her practice then. But something was stirring.

The Turning Point

As Vee spent more time in these spaces, she began to notice something powerful: her voice mattered. Her presence resonated with participants, especially young people who saw themselves reflected in her story. With mentorship from Triangle Project staff and encouragement from peers, Vee started stepping forward. First by assisting in small group discussions, then co-facilitating exercises, and eventually leading sessions on SOGIESC and GBV/IPV.

This was not an easy transition. “It’s been a great journey, although challenging at times,” Vee reflects. “I didn’t have a facilitation background, but I’ve grown into it. It has built my confidence, especially when interacting with communities during sessions.”

Her growth was not just professional. It was deeply personal. Vee’s own journey of healing became a resource she could share, not as an expert, but as a peer and guide. This authenticity transformed the dynamic from instruction to co-creation and solidarity. 

Impact Beyond the Workshop

The change was visible and undeniable. Feedback from recent workshops highlighted Vee as a standout facilitator. At Triangle Project’s last AGM, participants chanted her name in appreciation. A testament to her dedication and the trust she had built. Her role expanded beyond workshops to community events like Delft Pride, where she represented and supported conversations on inclusion and justice.

Estian Smith, a colleague, describes her as “an amazing intern who has shown tremendous growth as a mobiliser and organiser confident, caring, and knowledgeable. Her calm, friendly presence and good decision-making in challenging situations have made her a valued team member.”

Juliana Davids adds: “I’ve seen Vee grow into a formidable facilitator. She started behind the scenes, but her passion pushed her forward. She truly has something to offer—her strong work ethic, sense of justice, and good intentions for young people.”

Why This Story Matters

Vee’s journey is more than personal growth. It is a beacon of hope for communities often left behind. Her story underscores the importance of mentorship, opportunity, and lived experience in driving social change. It reminds us that transformation begins when individuals are empowered to step into leadership roles, bringing authenticity and empathy to spaces where they are most needed.

Through her work, Vee has helped create safe, inclusive environments where conversations about GBV, IPV, and LGBTQI+ rights can happen openly. She has shown that healing and advocacy are intertwined, and that when one person rises, entire communities can begin to heal.

Quotes 

Quote 1: 

Vee Sadukwana - As I transition from being a mobiliser to a facilitator, I’ve grown a lot. It’s been challenging, but exciting. This journey has built my confidence and made me an active part of the sessions.

Quote 2: 

Estian Smith - Her calm, friendly presence and ability to take initiative have made her indispensable. Vee responds to community needs with care and competence.

Quote 3: 

Juliana Davids: - Her passion and sense of justice have pushed her forward. She is now a visible leader with something powerful to offer.

Sustainability and Next Steps

To sustain and scale this change, Triangle Project will continue investing in peer-led leadership development through structured mentorship, facilitation training, and ongoing psychosocial support for emerging leaders like Vee.

We are formalising a Facilitator Development Pathway within the Solidarity Spaces programme, enabling interns and volunteers to transition into facilitation roles through guided practice, reflection, and capacity-building.

By: Juiana Davids