The Wosso Fellowship Program came into my life at a time when I needed it most. As a young woman and advocate for human rights, the fellowship has been more than just an opportunity—it has been a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.
Through this program, I gained the tools to amplify my voice and take meaningful action in my community. It has given me the courage to tackle critical issues, such as the backlash against human rights, while remaining rooted in my culture and traditions.
One of the most significant moments during the fellowship was when I began implementing my GBV advocacy plan in Ndofela, my home village in the Eastern Cape. I had been working with the local Amaduna and the Chief (Usibonda) to engage young men in the process on entering the initiation school, on gender equality and gender-based violence.
It was during this process when I met a vibrant and inspiring woman who, despite initial doubts, embraced the idea of becoming our village’s first female chief. Together, we are working to break barriers and prove that leadership knows no gender.
As I prepare to attend the Umyezane Arts Ensemble orientation day, I do so as a proud Wosso Fellow. The fellowship brought me to Johannesburg, and in a beautiful twist of fate, it has aligned my path with a sacred moment to inspire young minds, celebrate tradition, and speak on issues close to my heart.
When I received the invitation from Philisiwe Mlambo to be a guest speaker at the Umyezane Arts Ensemble orientation day, I was overcome with gratitude and emotion.
This was no ordinary invitation—it was a sacred calling. Umyezane is a space of tradition, discipline, and cultural preservation, and being invited to speak at such an event felt like a divine alignment of my purpose.
Philisiwe, the founder of Umyezane, has built an incredible organization dedicated to mentoring young girls and boys, instilling in them a sense of identity, purity, and purpose. The event’s focus on culture and tradition resonates deeply with me as a traditional girl who has come to embrace and respect these values.
I am honored to have been invited to speak on gender-based violence, my life story as a survivor, and the work I have done to empower others. I will also address the importance of tackling boys' and men’s sexual violence, a topic that is often overlooked but critical in fostering healthy communities.
To stand in this sacred space and share my journey is both humbling and empowering.
I am also thrilled that I could extend an invitation to my fellow Wosso Fellows, Jennifer from Nigeria and Constance from Ghana. I am hppy that we will gather in Johannesburg at the same time, I have never met them in person before and I am inspired by their advocacy work.
As I take to the podium, their presence represents the strength of the connections we have built through the fellowship program and the shared mission we carry as advocates for change. Having them by my side during this incredible journey makes the experience even more meaningful.
This moment is a testament to the power of God and the guidance of my ancestors. I no longer believe in coincidences. The fact that this event aligns with my trip to Johannesburg is a clear sign that this is where I am meant to be. Philisiwe and I share not only a love for God and tradition but also a deep spiritual connection rooted in our shared journey.
Her story of resilience and faith inspires me. From being a teenage mother to founding Umyezane, Philisiwe is a living testament to the power of grace and determination. Just as her teacher introduced her to God and taught her how to pray, it was my ancestors who led me to God and taught me to embrace the power of prayer.
Today, we stand as two women who have overcome challenges, grounded in faith and tradition, ready to inspire the next generation.
Umyezane’s work highlights the importance of preserving African traditions, such as virginity testing, which is often misunderstood. As a young girl, I dismissed this practice, viewing it as outdated. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to appreciate its significance in teaching discipline, self-respect, and responsibility.
To be in a space that values these traditions while also encouraging young people to challenge societal norms is incredibly powerful. I feel privileged to stand before these young maidens and boys, who have chosen a path of integrity and purpose. Their commitment to living differently from the status quo inspires me, and I am excited to pour into their lives.
The Wosso Fellowship has been a catalyst for so much in my life, and this moment at Umyezane is yet another example of its impact. The fellowship has opened doors for me to grow as an advocate, challenge traditional norms, and inspire others.
As I prepare to speak at this event, I am reminded of the words from Esther 4:14: “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” This verse encapsulates everything I feel about this opportunity. It is not just an invitation; it is a divine assignment to inspire, encourage, and uplift.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey is seeing how the stars align in unexpected ways. Philisiwe and I share not only a mutual friend, the late Lesego Ndabeni, but also a shared vision for empowering others through faith, tradition, and advocacy.
This event is a testament to the power of divine timing, bringing together people and opportunities at just the right moment.
To the young people of Umyezane, you are the hope of the future. As an African proverb reminds us, “The youth are the hope of the future.” You are the ones who will carry forward the values of culture, discipline, and justice. You have the power to change your communities and create a brighter tomorrow.
I am deeply grateful to Philisiwe and the team at Umyezane Arts Ensemble for this honor. Thank you for trusting me to speak to these incredible young people. Thank you for creating a space that celebrates culture, empowers youth, and inspires change.
To stand in this sacred space, supported by the Wosso Fellowship and with Jennifer and Constance nearby, is a privilege beyond measure. Together, we represent the power of African women stepping into spaces of purpose and advocating for change across borders.
To God, my ancestors, the WOSSO leadership, and the universe: thank you for making this possible. To the young people of Umyezane: I cannot wait to meet you, share my story, and learn from you.
Together, we will celebrate tradition, challenge norms, and create a better future.
