When I began blogging earlier this December, I never imagined the transformative power it would hold over my life. I was hesitant at first, resistant even, as my energy was consumed by the book I’m writing about my father—a deeply personal project exploring his untimely death and the haunting family secrets I’ve uncovered. Blogging felt like a distraction I didn’t need. Yet here I am, one month later, marveling at the healing, joy, and connection this journey has brought me.
I owe this leap to Mama Colleen Lowe Morna, founder and special advisor to Gender Links, who encouraged us WOSSO Fellows to blog as a tool for advocacy and self-expression. At first, I didn’t act on her advice. But once I started, I simply couldn’t stop. Thank Mama Colleen for me—she is a guiding light in my life. I look up to her deeply and appreciate her wisdom more than words can convey. She once told me, “Writing is healing,” and I’ve found this to be profoundly true.
Even when I fell ill and couldn’t blog as much as I wanted, my mind kept circling back to it. I thought of my readers, the topics I wanted to explore, and the stories waiting to be told. Now, a month into this beautiful endeavor, I’m amazed at the impact my blog has had and the connections it has fostered. I’ve received compliments from readers across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malaysia, and beyond. Knowing that my words resonate with people so far from my home has been humbling and exhilarating.
Here are some fascinating statistics from my first month:
- 44% of my readers are from South Africa, my homeland. (The motherland really has my back—Enkosi bangani!)
- 18% hail from Botswana and Thailand, because apparently, I’m a neighborly sensation and my Thai people clearly miss me.
- 15% come from the India and the United States. (America, let’s talk Oprah or maybe a Netflix deal?)
- 10% cover Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe, because solidarity runs deep in the region.
- 7% are from Canada. Oh Canada, I see you! ( I made some influencial friend at the AWID Forum)
- 3% each from Malaysia, Seychelles, and Spain. Truly, I’m becoming a global phenomenon.
And let’s talk about my posts that have set the internet ablaze:
- "Valia Hotel - The Place Where I Became a Road-Crossing Queen" – 522 reads.This lighthearted yet deeply reflective post about my adventures in Bangkok has become a fan favorite. Who knew crossing the road could turn me into an icon?
- "From Red Berets to Broken Hearts: The EFF’s Revolution Remix" – 259 reads. A poignant exploration of political realities that had my readers both laughing and crying (and maybe planning revolutions).
- "Breaking the Silence" – 196 reads. This one’s about addressing sexual violence faced by boys and men, but don’t worry—it’s not all heavy. There’s a joke about how society’s silence on this issue is louder than my failed attempts at gym aerobics. (Let that visual sink in.)
- "Ballet Dreams and Shaking Walks: My Journey to Recovery" – 186 reads. A personal reflection on dreams, healing and resilience that moved so many hearts. Prima ballerinas, I’m coming for your crown—slowly but surely.
- "#TheWalkWithZintle Campaign: The Road to Recovery" – 166 reads.A campaign close to my heart, inspiring others through my stroke healing and advocacy journey. Step aside, activists—Zintle’s in town!
- "Celebrate Yourself: Why Jealousy Shouldn’t Have a Seat at YOUR Table" – 154 reads. A motivational piece reminding us all to embrace self-love and to keep jealousy off the guest list. (Haters, take notes!)
- "When the Headlines Cut Deep: Sibusiso Lawrence and the Grim Reality of GBV in South Africa" – 142 reads. A sobering commentary on the urgency of addressing gender-based violence. Important work, if I may say so myself.
Each post represents a piece of my soul, a chapter in my healing, and a bridge to the world.
Blogging has not only become an outlet but also a source of empowerment, allowing me to engage with critical issues like GBV, politics, enteratinemnet, recovery, and advocacy while building a community of readers.
Thank you, dear readers, for walking this path with me. Together, we are turning words into change, healing, and hope.
Happy reading bangani. All the the way to 2025. Masambeni (Let's GO!!!!!)
