South Africa: Story Information Table

At 39 years old, Nomasonto Mogapi has lived through experiences that no woman should ever endure. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the determination to create a safe future for herself and her daughter. Nomasonto grew up in an environment where trust was shattered early. She recalls the trauma of almost being raped by her stepfather and uncle. “Even though it didn’t happen physically, it has had a lasting impact on my life,” she says. For years, she buried the pain, convincing herself it was something she could ignore. But when she became a mother to a baby girl, the memories resurfaced with force. “It started haunting me. I realised how vulnerable women and girls are, and I didn’t want my daughter to grow up in fear. Her fears were not unfounded.

In her adult life, Nomasonto entered a long-term relationship, hoping to build the perfect family she had always dreamed of. Instead, she faced emotional and physical abuse from the man she loved most. “I experienced beatings. At first, I thought maybe I was wrong to leave. I kept thinking he wouldn’t do it again,” she reflects. Like many women, she wrestled with guilt and the societal pressure to keep the family together. But the growing reality of femicide in South Africa. The chilling stories of women killed by their partners pushed her to make the hardest decision of her life. “I realised I live once. I had to leave behind a place I called home for the sake of my safety and for my daughter to grow up in a safe environment,” Nomasonto says with conviction. 

Walking away from a seven-year relationship was not easy, but it was necessary. Her courage to prioritise safety over fear became the turning point in her journey. Today, Nomasonto is not just surviving, she is thriving. Thanks to the support of Let Us Grow, a grantee under the Women’s Voice and Leadership-SA programme, she has found a space to heal and rebuild. 

Through counselling sessions and support groups, Nomasonto has gained the confidence to share her story openly. “I’m now a young woman who can speak about my experiences without shame. The project gave me the strength to stand tall,” she says.

Her story is a powerful reminder of why safe spaces and community support matter. Gender-based violence is not just about physical harm; its emotional scars run deep, shaping decisions and limiting opportunities for women and girls. Nomasonto’s decision to leave was an act of defiance against a cycle of violence. A choice that many women struggle to make due to fear, financial dependence, or societal judgement.

By speaking out, Nomasonto hopes to inspire others facing similar situations. “I know my story may not be as painful as others, but if it helps even one person to stand up and choose safety, then it’s worth sharing,” she says.

Her journey underscores the urgent need to address gender-based violence at all levels. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment programmes that give women the tools to reclaim their lives. For Nomasonto, the future is no longer defined by fear but by hope and resilience. She dreams of raising her daughter in a world where women are safe, respected, and free to live without violence.

By: Nomasonto Mogapi