THE FUTURE OF ACTIVISM IS COLLABORATION
The Poetry Pulpit
JOURNAL
CHAPTER THREE: The Future of Activism #Beyond16Days
FEATURING: An Exit interview with Silindile Mbaza, the 2021 National President of JCI South Africa.
FOR THE WORDS OF LIFE
"Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo. Strike the WOMEN, strike A ROCK."
It is in solidarity that women become a solid rock. No individual woman is a rock. @KayDee_Mashile
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Table of Contents The Poetry Pulpit Journal, Chapter 3
FEATURES
Editor's Note
05
An Exit Interview with Silindile Mbaza
08
The History of Collaborative Activism
11
Making Herstory with JCI Oudtshoorn
15
Tips for Effective Collaboration
17
Teenage Pregnancy Summit with AUSC
20
S .O.S Favour Conference
23
Poem: The Case That is Me by Aurora Mokoena
04
Poem: Women of The Word by Eyethu Mfazwe
07
Poem: Have a Blast by Alma Muller
13
Poem: Dear Tash by Kay-Dee Mashile
19
Poem: Bly Staan by Gracia Nicholls
22
Storytime: The Tanelle Welff Story
29
THE CASE THAT IS ME I am a case of a person programmed against herself, See, I swore I would never allow my eyes to cry for you, But tears have never ever been obedient. I promised myself not to think about you, But my mind has a mind of its own. I know I decided not to wallow in self-pity, But at times pity sucks me in like a sandpit. I, the efficient, find myself struggling with a case of efficacy. An insurrection by my spirit against me. In defence, a rebel within me is incited. Problem though, is that the battle zone is on my turf, My property is vandalized and I only have myself to blame. Sober up and pick myself from the bottom of the bottle, Count the casualties and they add up to 1 - me. I am just a person programmed against herself.
Aurora Mokoena
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Editor's Note:
The future of Activism is Collaboration By: Kay-Dee Mashile
Originally published by ACTIVATE! Change Drivers Activator Lesego Scott once said,
One could view this ecosystem as a
and I paraphrase, that activism is a matter of conviction. Therefore, it is a journey that one needs to choose for oneself and one that no one should
body with various interdependent and equally significant parts. While other parts may be more obvious in their significance than others, all the parts
be recruited for. In her words, “We cannot lobby for activism, we can only educate with no hidden
need to be present for the body to function optimally. This is how I came to the conclusion that the future of
agendas. Hoping that the truth will call the student to action.”
activism is collaboration. The past few years have seen many
With this statement in mind, it is safe to define an activist as someone who has the conviction to seek change regarding a certain phenomenon that they believe to be unjust and/or significant in one or more ways. This then justifies why different activists or activist organisations seek justice for the causes that they deem to be most significant. While this is a very important part of activism, it is important that we remain conscious of the fact that every movement exists within a bigger ecosystem in which each movement plays a significant role.
youth movements emerge in efforts to seek justice for one cause or the other. Some of these movements, such as #FeesMustFall and #TheTotalShutdown, have inspired others to also stand up and have thus compelled the birth of countless campaigns and organisations. However, to date, many of these organisations run out of resources and sometimes lose their drive and passion when the national attention shifts elsewhere. It is with this in mind that I coined the phrase “The Future of Activism is Collaboration” as, I
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reckon, many of the challenges faced by individual Activists and organisations can be mitigated by simply partnering with other likeminded individuals and groups and, therefore, increase the impact of all the parties involved.
As we exit the 16 Days of Activism, we also look at the future of Activism by looking at collaboration as a model for future campaigns. Herein, we look at the history of collaborative activism as well as some tips for those who have yet to try it out.
In the past two years, South Africa has seen a heartbreaking increase in
hat would The Poetry Pulpit W Journal be without poetry? This
cases of gender-based violence (GBV) which has led to much work in
special edition shares some new poetry books to check out as well
the space. Although a lot is being
some poems throughout the journal.
done and said about GBV in South Africa in this period, one thing that isn’t being spoken about enough is collaboration. While there has been
This chapter is very different from the first two, let us know your thoughts @PerfectLoveBooks on the socials. And be sure to check out the
some progress made, the statistics are not showing much success in the current and past models of Activism.
previous editions issuu.com/poetrypulpit.
This by no means implies that the movements are not successful, however, it does suggest and necessitate a different approach.
Happy Holidays!
at
In this issue, we chat to the 2021 National President of JCI South Africa and walk with her through her journey. We also look back on the inception of JCI Oudtshoorn, the first virtual chapter in JCI South Africa.
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WOMEN OF THE WORD
Esther, the queen who saved her people Ruth who waited on her Boaz Mary who supernaturally conceived the Prince of peace All these women were obedient to God and, as flawed as they were, they remained steadfast in their faith Rahab, a prostitute, hosted people at her house Sarah in old age, birthed her promised son As unlikely people to be used for His kingdom He qualified them to be called and they obeyed Him
Eyethu Mfazwe
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An exit interview with the 2021 National President Silindile Mbaza
JCI South Africa
I was so far removed from the presidency
2021 was an unpredictable year for everyone. With the reopening of the world came bigger risks and more needs in society. Organisations such as JCI had their work cut out for them. Especially in growing economies like that of South Africa. It is within this very context that Silindile Mbaza was handed the reigns of JCI South Africa's national office in 2020. As we wrap up the year, we had the privilege of speaking to her about her term as national president. Please take us through your Presidential journey? Every step of the way was it's own journey! I started the year as a Vice President (not even the Executive Vice President).
that I didn't even imagine it possible to be nominated, let alone elected, to become the next president. Although I didn't have the expectation, I was honoured to serve. As a woman leader, it isn't uncommon (at least for me) to look down on your achievements. Which often results in me feeling as though I don't qualify for certain positions which I, in fact, do qualify for. It took me a while to own my voice and hold the space I was in. At first, it was really hard. But, I reached out and asked for advice from those who had walked in my shoes before. And some of the common advice I received was that I should stop being timid. I had to learn how to walk in my boldness without being apologetic about it. As you can guess, I really had to go out of my comfort zone so that I could properly position and present myself to the world.
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What was your vision for 2021? We wanted to grow and be effective, impact wise. Some of the key deliverables we set for ourselves were: - To help our economy thrive by promoting business opportunities. Moreover, we aimed to support small
of. Secondly, we had at least five JCI RISE projects done by local organisations. And we were able to attract more partners than we have in the past. The biggest highlight, for me, was being able to fully affiliate JCI Oudtshoorn. This local organisation is the answer to a global question that everyone is still trying
businesses through JCI RISE. - One of the biggest tasks we had was hosting the World Congress,
to work around. Being the very first 100% virtual local organisation in all of JCI, JCI Oudtshoorn is proof that we're moving
though we had hoped it would be in person (mainly because of the positive impact it would have had on
and growing in the same direction as the world. We're reaching people where they are, especially where there are no
our economy). However, between the risks and restrictions, we still aimed to host the best event
physical chapters. I am extremely proud of this milestone.
possible. Albeit mainly virtual. - Most importantly, we wanted to attract and grow in terms of recruiting more members into the organisation. We aim to become the biggest and most impactful movement in South Africa.
What advice would you give to young women leaders? There are so many challenges that you will face as a woman leader. All your decisions and opinions will be challenged and questioned. My advice to you is that you must hold your ground and believe in your voice. Chances are that you have thought out all your decisions and opinions thoroughly, if so, stand up and defend your choices. It is unfortunate but you have the responsibility to fight for women empowerment in every space that you hold. But this begins with you; whether you're able to acknowledge your own power and not be ashamed of your own voice.
What are your top 3 highlights? As mentioned, the JCI World Congress was definitely a highlight. Though it was virtual, it was great to see how various organisations came together to partake in the conference. Though there were challenges, it was an overall success that I am proud to have been a part
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If you're currently not holding any specific position, I want
women to get into the room and change it from the inside. We can do a lot of advocacy work to change systems, but it ultimately rests on those with voting power. Strive to gain access so that you can be heard. Words of encouragement for 2022? Roll up your sleeves and put in the work! If we want to grow, both individually and as an organisation, we need to roll up our sleeves and be willing to step outside of our comfort zones to do what others are not willing to do. Each one of us has a role to play. Don't hide away, play your part. Add your piece to the puzzle, even if it is from the background.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JCI SOUTH AFRICA:
to encourage you to take every opportunity to stand and lead. However big or small the platform, your presence is important in representing the voice and perspective of women in that space. Lastly, I want to encourage young
It is up to every member of JCI to become an ambassador for the organisation and spread the word. We can only grow if we collectively take ownership of the organisation.
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The history of Collaborative Activism By: Anele Gcwabe
Originally published by ACTIVATE! Change Drivers Expressions such as “divided we fall,
Collaboration, Transformation, and
united we stand”, “there is power in unity” and “power in numbers” are proof that I am not mistaken when I say that “the future of activism is
the Production of Knowledge. In this article, the scholars offer a set of resources for scholar-activists to reflect on and guide their practice.
collaboration”. Activists- whether their cause is Gender-Based Violence and femicide, environment
They begin by suggesting that research questions should be triangulated to consider not only their
preservation or animal rightsinfluence social change. Does it not make sense then that- when fighting
scholarly merit but the intellectual and political projects the findings will advance and the research questions
towards a common cause- they would reach greater heights when they are united? Often, we think that activists have always fought in isolation, and that is the reason why they do not completely achieve their targeted result. I’m here to tell you that this is not accurate. Activists have always found ways to collaborate, publicly and on the low down. I have proof.
of interest to community and social movement collaborators. This is collaboration in activism.
In 2014, Kate Driscoll Derickson of the University of Minnesota and a colleague publish a seven page article titled Resourcing ScholarActivism:
When the African National Congress was formed in 1912, it did not accept women as members. In 1918, the ANC allowed the formation of the Bantu Women’s League (BWL) as a wing of the ANC. This is not because men had suddenly decided that women would be allowed to be part of the party. This is because black women had grown tired of the government restrictions and pass laws for women.
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The BWL was formed because black women activists had decided to stand together and stand against the apartheid government and the discrimination from black men. Hear
Today, movements such as Total Shut Down, The Barefoot campaign and TEARS Foundations exist because activists who stand against rape, gender based violence and
me when I say that even the ANC Women’s League was formed because a group of activists had
femicide came together and formed these movements. This is an example of collaboration in activism.
decided to collaborate and fight to form a women’s wing of what would become the most powerful party of
Yes, it would be a great achievement for these movements to come
South Africa to date. This is an example of activists coming together to fight towards a common cause.
together and do what they are doing in unity. I mean, the capacity on its own, would create great impact. The
This is collaboration in activism.
influence that these movements have on their own is huge. The influence they would have, if they’d
In a lecture at Rhodes University, Dr A. Masola speaks of how black women endorsed and publicized each others’ literary work, fighting against a system that was intent on erasing and hiding the influence of women, their work, their ideas and their potential influence. Women authors would write about the creative work of other women on the inside covers of their books; they’d encourage their audience to read or look out for these works. This is an example of collaboration in activism.
collaborate, would be even greater. Yes, the future of activism is collaboration, but let us not make the mistake of thinking that there is not collaboration in activism. Activism is collaboration. What we need, is to make activists aware of the importance, thereof, so that they can understand the importance and the impact of collaboration. So that we can achieve more than the collaboration of individuals, but collaboration of movements and organizations as well.
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HAVE A BLAST Sing Oh Sing from dusk until dawn. Sing until your vocal cords are worn. Dance Oh Dance from dusk until dawn. Dance until your soles feel torn. Laugh Oh Laugh from the bottom of your heart. Laugh until the hiccups start. Skip. Oh Skip, leap up and down in sheer delight. Enjoy life and those around you with all your might. Do not wait until the time allows. Be alive. Be Free. Go, climb a mountain or alternatively, the nearest tree. Be impulsive, be kind, be what you choose to be. Breathe in the fresh air, picking flowers along the way. Do all these things, but above all, earnestly pray!
Alma Muller
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PODCAST SERIES
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EXTRA OIL: A 30-DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE
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Making Herstory With the very first Virtual Local Organisation in JCI South Africa
Image: JCI ODN LVP, JCI Kigali LVP, JCI ODN LP
It was November 2020, upon the
One
announcement of Silindile Mbaza's election as the National President of JCI South Africa, when I first learned about the Junior Chambers International organisation. Having first met Madame National President as a facilitator at a youth leadership training programme that I got to attend under ACTIVATE!, I knew that I wanted to be part of the organisation merely from the fact that she was leading it. Little did I know, that conversation would lead to the biggest highlight of 2020, not only for me and our local organisation, but for JCI South Africa as a whole.
inauguration of the very first 100% virtual local organisation under JCI. But not only that, it also birthed the very first all female local organisation under JCI South Africa. JCI Oudtshoorn was born and led by a group of dedicated young women from all over South Africa. And, from May until October 2020, we all went on the best and most uncertain journey of our lives. As total strangers, we built an organisation that had become home for each one and all of us. JCI Oudtshoorn is proof that Empowered Women, indeed do Empower Women!
conversation
led
to
the
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It would be amis to reminisce on the journey to JCI Oudtshoorn affiliation without noting and celebrating the role that the President Elect of JCI South Africa played during his tunor as Executive Vice President in 2021. His role not only signifies the important role that men and male leaders have in creating spaces for women empowerment, but it also demonstrated to the JCI Oudtshoorn team the true culture within the JCI. And that is that no Jaycee is ever alone. As a growing all-female, virtual local organisation, JCI Oudtshoorn aims to connect young women between the ages of 18 to 40 in efforts to provide a safe space for learning and development in a holistic manner. This is done through virtual events, campaigns, workshops and programmes of the areas of personal development, careers, health and psychosocialspiritual development. This growing organisation is excited for all the possibilities of growth in the next year. Prospective members are encouraged to email odn@jcisouthafrica.co.za or text Kay-Dee at 0723423689 for morinformation. .
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Tips for effective collaboration By: Kay-Dee Mashile
Originally published by ACTIVATE! Change Drivers
Know your why!
First get to know your why. This is essential as you do not want each project or partnership to define your organisation. You can do this by clearly defining your vision, aims and objectives as an organisation or personal brand.
SWOT Yourself Out
Once you have your why defined and set, you need to evaluate whether or not it is achievable for you. You can do this by doing a SWOT analysis for yourself or your organisation to honestly evaluate what are your strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.
Weigh your options!
When seeking out potential partners, you need to take your time and do your research. List all your potential partners and evaluate them based on your vision and SWOT anything. Narrow down your list to 3 or less organisations which you will then approach for your project or initiative.
Draft a proposal with the aims and objectives of the project
Your initial communication with the potential partner is essential. Do your research on their organisational structure and find the most relevant office to direct your proposal to. Moreover, you need to ensure that your proposal is straight to the point.
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Have an in person or video meeting to make sure that everyone is on the same page
This is important for the initial meeting. Set up an in person or video chat for at least 15 minutes to share the idea and clarify any questions that the potential partner may have. This will also allow you to discuss how the partnership can look for both the success of the project and mutual benefit for your organisation and theirs.
Draft and sign an agreement
This doesn’t have to be an intense legal document, it can be a straightforward list of goals, with dates and responsibilities. Ensure that the agreement covers the following elements:
Set clear goals and objectives Determine the duration of the partnership Clearly define roles and responsibilities
Collaborate: Do the work!
Once you have drafted the agreement, send it to the potential partner and do a follow up call to discuss and finalise it. If there are other partners involved, schedule a joint meeting before you start. Once all that is done, the real work begins!
While running the project, ensure that you schedule weekly/monthly meetings to review and evaluate your progress.
Guiding Questions:
Guidelines:
a. Have regular check ins to ensure you’re still on the same page b. Adjust your goals as both parties see necessary c. Don’t be afraid to change your plans as you go, be flexible
What do we want to achieve? By when do we want to start and finish? Who will be responsible for what? How are we going to achieve the goal? Why do we want to do this? What problem do we want to solve?
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DEAR TASH I often wondered what "Gone too soon" Really meant... I reckoned that God prepared people for just as long as He'd give them breath But when I tell you I was never ready Ses... I wasn't ready!
I wasted so much time Missed out on one too many moments Skipped one too many dates And missed one too many calls... I thought I had all the time in the world to catch up on lost times...
Little did I know Death would come like a thief in the night and steal away the chance to love you better The chance to be there for you and support you more The chance to be present and actively build our friendship...
Sesi... You're gone way too soon!
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Teenage Pregnancy Summit Hosted by the Africa Unite School Club Program The Africa Unite School Club Program was started in 2014, in response to the noticeable lack of youth leadership and community involvement among young learners. The unfortunate
One of these is teenage pregnancy, which has become a pressing issue on a national scale. In the first quarter of 2021, the National Department of Health reported at least 36, 000 teenage
reality that many communities face includes rising levels of vandalism, gangsterism, drug and alcohol abuse,
pregnancies aged 10-19. This has a drastic impact on learners, especially female learners - their chances of being
teen pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS; all of which have a major impact on the lives of local youth. With the slogan
able to stay in school are made even slimmer by the cycle of poverty they find themselves in. Africa Unite School Club in
“My School, My Community,” students from townships and underprivileged communities are able to focus on
partnership with Singamakhalipha hosted a youth-led summer at Bertha House Tshisimani Centre to address the issue of
fostering leadership skills and taking pride in their schools and playing an active role in their communities’ development.
learner pregnancy. Forty learners were in attendance, with four guest speakers who unpacked learner pregnancy as a social construct, its impact, and the existing support systems and interventions.
Part of the programme is the Social Emotional Learning Forum (SELF), which seeks to address feelings of anxiety, frustration and uncertainty that many School Club learners had gone through. The reality that these young learners face include food scarcity and violence in some cases. Thus, SELF is a platform that creates a safe space for discussions on sensitive topics that affect the learners.
The Summit brought to light issues of sexual violence and society’s ignorance towards sexual and reproductive health. One of the guest speakers shared her experience as a teenage mother - the difficulties she endured. The learners appreciated her courage in sharing her true story. The dialogue with the learners highlighted the issue of adolescents’ pregnancies that has recently sparked conversation in South Africa.
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Early and unwanted pregnancies are sometimes a result of not having access to information that would allow a young person to make an informed decision. The group, which mostly consisted of young women, all agreed that nurses show a judgmental attitude towards young
They highlighted the need to encourage taking contraceptives without shame. This would also entail nurses treating patients with respect and consideration for their mental health. They also recognised the importance of a strong support system, and having access to free
girls who volunteer to use contraceptives as a preventative measure. They are even more
therapy sessions. The popular phrase, “Books Before Boys Because Boys Bring Babies” should
judgmental to young girls who present to clinics already pregnant, without even knowing all the facts.
be a constant reminder, in addition to educating boys to respect the female body. Due to the stigma and shame
One participant lashed out “what if that girl was raped? Now she is judged unfairly”.
that young pregnant learners face, the participants suggested a school for teenage parents since they face
There were only two young males in attendance, which indicated a lack of interest from males when it comes to issues such as these. It has been a challenge engaging young men and showing them the importance of engagement on learner pregnancy. There have been numerous debates around the causes of this trend, and sexual violence and ignorance around sexual and reproductive health have topped the list of potential causes. The young learners huddled up to brainstorm recommendations to one another at the end of the session.
different circumstances to teenagers who do not have children. The Africa Unite Schools Club program understands the importance of fostering a proactive youth, through equipping them with critical thinking skills while acknowledging the sensitivity of their lived reality. In spite of the unfortunate reality of poverty and the violence that manifests in their environments, they have the ability to change the narrative by becoming leaders that society needs.
www.africaunite.org.za/
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BLY STAAN - GRACIA NICHOLLS My rugraat steun teen my pa se kakebeen. Ek en sy karkas het purpose in gemeen Ons strewe is lewe al moet ons ons eie tot 'n einde bring Met groot ywer beduie hy dis tyd vir my versuiwering Dit it is my realiteit - die karkas in my wil uit Die sisteem saai onmin in my binneste Grawe gate Groot genoeg vir die geraamtes in my voorouers se kas, en bring dit op elke keer as dit hulle pas As hulle maar net weet... Die sout in my trane penetreer die aardeKreun van seer, en verteer elke been wat beweging inhibeer. Ek sê dit weer, neem dit op díé keer. Daars oorlog in my binneste, dis ooglopend hoe my trane die rol van soldate bekleë Die vyand lewer uitsprake, die klem is in die kaak My bloed is vir hom soos lewende water, maar my lewende water lewer my oor aan nuwe wyn vate
Sy woord my koord - ek hang my op daaraan, daars lewe in hierdie dood Dis in sy hart waar ek hoort, poorte oopgestoot, eks kaal gestroop, maar my wese verstoot wanhoop, (as hoop my vaal), aan die kruis het Hy met sy bloed betaal. En waneer hy uitlatings maak, Skep sy spraak 'n nuwe sintuig, Neem my na plekke waar ek alles van Hom getuig Stygend en sakkend, (Stygend) sak ek voor Hom neer, Wetend Hy stel nooit teleur. Ons beweeg, oorkom myself, my liefde vir eer, heen en weer en dan nog 'n keer. Sy grensloosheid in my hart word meer Sy speeksel saboteer my gedagtes van haatspraak, vanselfsprekend breek Sy twee snydende swaard my wanpersepsie van self Sy currency weeg swaar, In my bank van leuens word ek amptelik insolvent verklaar Sy currency weeg swaar, In my bank van leuens word ek amptelik insolvent verklaar
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S.O.S: Save Our Souls ,
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By: Pastor Clint Dixon Human rights and GBV activist, Reverend Tanelle Welff-Dixon of TWM Foundation recently hosted their inaugural, S.O.S Favour Conference at the popular, Bergkroon Faith Centre in Wellington. The conference was attended by several universities (UFS, Nelson Mandela and Stellenbosch), legal expert, criminologist, religious leaders and government departments including special guest panelist, Professor Jonathan Jansen of Stellenbosch University. The conference looked at a case study of the life story of WelffDixon who suffered several incidents of sexual and physical abuse that will be depicted in her upcoming book and later film with the working title, "Unbroken, The Tanelle Welff Story". The panel discussed the abusive situation as related to GBV especially during 16 days of activism and proposed interventions by government, legal, religious and community sectors. The outcome of the conference was to link the academic sector with government and the community in an attempt to help fight GBV in South Africa which has also been described as a pandemic in South Africa by President Ramaphosa. The conference also aligns with this year’s campaign theme: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: 16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability” . The TWM Foundation is inviting any interested parties who wish to contribute to the final discussion document by contacting Reverend Tanelle Welff-Dixon on 0844763793 or email, info@twmfoundation.org.za.
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Story Time:
Unbroken: The Tanelle Welff Story An extract by Reverend Tanelle Welff-Dixon
In 2008, I was a distressed, abandoned and homeless 31 year old South African female who, at the time, was an example
I am a former hostess for a local airline, aircraft recon-electro technician (Air photographer) in the
of a socially-excluded victim of abuse and circumstances in the United States of America. Between 2000 and 2005, as a
South African Air Force, Former Business Woman, and later became a Missionary. However, I continued to
junior and minority member of the South African Air Force, I was blackballed for
go through life as what many, including myself (periodically),
being a whistle-blower against corruption. In 1991, at the age of 16, I became a 7-
perceived to be a talented failure. While going through identity crisis as
time rape victim and later became a 4time suicide survivor. In 1987, I was raped by a police officer with a 9mm pistol at
well as mental and emotional stresses, as well as seeking the acceptance, validation and the
only 12 years old. Only four year before I was date raped by 6 men. In 1979, at the young age of 04, I was violated through molestation by a trusted family member and local Pastor. In 1975, I was born and labelled under the apartheid government of South Africa as a Coloured, which had me inherit the burden of proving my worth and identity even before I had a name. Moreover, I was born into a dysfunctional family situation by a single mother and raised by my grandparents. Yet, by the Grace of God, I remain infection-and disease-free; in spite of my extensive resume of trouble.
affirmation of a father figure in all the wrong relationships, I continued through most of my young and adult life as a victimized, abandoned and abused socially talented failure amongst my peers. I remained a woman addicted to pain and almost immune to suffering- a rock. After about 10 years of marriage ending in four near death experiences, I became a young divorcee.
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I left the marriage as a victim of my ex-husbands substance abuse habits, saved by God through social (faith-based) and medical interventions. The social evil of substance abuse by my husband in
I decided to turn away from my addiction to pain and social acceptance. I, in turn, decided to return to God for a new season of my life. While emotionally, physical and economically depleted, I evolved into a social justice advocate
the form of crack cocaine and methamphetamine along with alcohol and other possible substances
working in my local community between the United States of America and South Africa in collaboration with various
attributed to serious economic, emotional and social abuse.
Government Departments Society Organizations.
I continued as a victim of circumstance until one day, during my routine therapy visits, my
However, after yet another failed love triangle, I was convinced that I had finally found love and opportunity outside my
physician picked up my file, recalled his past treatment sessions and
home country, South Africa. Consequently, I journeyed to the United
referred to me as having a history of
States in pursuit of my vocation, love and
abuse. Even though the physician was stating a clinical fact, I was convinced he shifted the blame to me again and once again felt stigmatized. And, in my misguided opinion, I responded to the Psychologist’s remark in a desperate attempt to justify my dysfunctional life. I did, however, also share with him my desire to live and be a positive contributing member of the society I had always been attempting to fit into. I am convinced that that was my Turning Point in life.
happiness. Once again with relationships of trust being violated, I found myself left betrayed, abandoned, abused and homeless on the streets of Lafayette Louisiana, in a foreign country. Forced to lead with integrity, my character now became a powerful weapon armed with an arsenal of lessons taught by life itself, guiding me to the revelation knowledge of my true spiritual identity. I could finally see that my past failures and dysfunctional relationships were never about disrupting my comfort but discovering my purpose.
and
Civil
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My desire to live as a vessel of honour and serve with integrity protected me from becoming a victim of circumstances again. I could not allow other people’s perceptions, opinions, soul diseases and lack of
Among these interventions were the local US state departments, Volunteers of America, The FBI and the US Homeland Security who at the end welcomed me to the US for my impeccable level of integrity and hard
integrity to become contributing factors for my life ending in blame and
work fighting back and standing up for myself as a woman in distress. The
shame regardless of location. Therefore, even while faced with
holistic support received from this intervention in the form of emotional,
another season of abandonment, abuse, homelessness, while also facing cultural differences, economic
physical, social and financial tools she needed, Queen Esther was able to receive healing, deliverance, identity
and social exclusion in a foreign
and continued support to evolve into a
country; what should have affected a normal single woman in similar
productive member of society with all rights and privileges as a member and
circumstances mentally, emotionally
Associate
and economically became survival tools and a recipe for success to
Progressive Baptist Church.
the
determined
and
motivated
individual I had become. Even with self-determination, a desire to live, an intimate relationship with God and integrity, I couldn't have done this all alone. It was the socially committed faith-based community and Godly intervention of the Progressive Baptist Church family, under the leadership of Pastor Lloyd Joiner Jr., that became the safety net and moral compass for a drug-free pathway to re-entry in society for Queen Esther (myself).
Minister
at
the
Queen Esther later became a radio personality for a local radio and broadcasting station, the Chairperson for Faith-Based Organizations overseeing 2.8 million people in the Acadia Parish in the State of Louisiana, developing workforce development projects for re-entry clients, all this while being homeless. However, she was later blessed with her own home, vehicle and business opportunities promoting import and export opportunities for both African and American Entrepreneurs.
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Queen Esther has been restored as a positive contributing member of society and married to her soulmate who, together, work as a force to be reckoned with! The duo is currently creating game-changing social inclusive shared economic wealth opportunities to unlock human potential with the support and collaboration of local business and faithbased communities. While these relationships were established on trust and became the foundation and building blocks for unlocking the human potential in a South African homeless in America, it is faith-based organizations like the Progressive Baptist Church which become the conduit and safety net for social inclusion and best suited outcome-based partners." It was these type of interventions, life-lessons and experiences that has cemented my foundation to advocate with purpose.
Unbroken: The Tanelle Welff Story (memoirs) will be published in 2022. Email Kay-dee@twmfoundation.org.za to pre-order your copy!
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Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 NKJV
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The Poetry Pulpit Journal
CHAP T E R THREE - D EC 2021
THE F U T URE OF AC TIVISM IS COLL A B O RATION
FOR THE WORDS OF LIFE!
THE POETRY PULPIT PODCAST