When I think about the WOSSO Fellowship, people often imagine it’s just about policy papers, advocacy plans, and serious discussions about changing the world.
And yes, all of that is true — but let me tell you something no one warned me about: the friendships. And not just any friendships — the kind that sneak up on you, take over your heart, and make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
I’m talking about my winjas, my wangstaz, my crazy bunch of five women who honestly could start a reality show tomorrow and give Netflix a run for its money.
From day one, there was this bond. No competition, no fake vibes, no jealousy — just pure, unfiltered love and madness. We are all so different, so unique, and so authentic that when we come together it feels like the stars aligned and said, “Yup, let’s put these ladies in the same fellowship and watch the magic happen.” And my goodness, what a ride it has been.
We don’t just start the party; we are the party. We light up the room. We shut it down when we leave. And the best part? We genuinely celebrate each other’s light, because we know there’s no need to dim anyone else’s glow when you’re shining in your own corner.
Now, let me brag about my sisters for a second, because they deserve to be celebrated.
First, there’s Sakhile Dlamini. Listen, if you don’t know Sakile, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. She’s from the Kingdom of Eswatini (don’t you dare forget that royal title), and she’s a communications guru. Her phone is more expensive than most people’s rent, and the photos she takes? Straight out of Vogue.
She walks like a queen, dresses like a queen, and honestly, is a queen. But here’s the kicker — she’s not just about looks. Her WOSSO Fellowship Advocacy Plan is tackling gender-based violence in higher education institutions, and let me tell you, she’s so sharp, so focused, and so passionate that the world better buckle up. Sakhile doesn’t just talk communications; she is communications.
Then we’ve got Nokwethemba Mnomiya, from Pietermaritzburg, KZN. If you don’t say Pietermaritzburg when you talk about her, she’ll probably correct you. She’s the quiet one of the group — until she isn’t.
Because when Nokwethemba decides to speak, you listen. She speaks with such clarity, conviction, and precision that you know you’ve just heard the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Don’t let her calm demeanor fool you; she’s hilarious in her own way.
The girl loves her sleep. In fact, when she gets up from the group, we all know: “Ah, there she goes, time for her nap.” But her advocacy work? 🔥 She’s focusing on economic justice to fight gender-based violence, and the growth I’ve seen in her through this fellowship has been inspiring. She might be soft-spoken, but her impact is loud.
Now, let me scream about Tlotlo Mokgware from Botswana. My tiny powerhouse! Tlotlo may be small in size, but don’t underestimate her — she’s fierce, fearless, and a true patriot of Botswana. She walks like the First Lady of her country, strutting in her favorite shoes from Thailand like the runway was made for her. Tlotlo advocates for gender justice with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community, and she does it with so much strength and heart.
What I adore about her is that when something bothers her, she’s going to talk about it until it’s out of her system. This week, next week, or even the week after — Tlotlo will talk, and we will listen, because that’s the love we share. She’s grown so much in this fellowship, taking every opportunity that comes her way.
She’s the friend who blends into every space while standing out at the same time. Tiny, but mighty.
And then, there’s Zintle Tsholwane. Oh, Lord — this one! The group is clearly blessed to have two Zintles, but this particular Zintle is in a league of her own.
She’s hilarious — the kind who invents names for people based on their antics, and the names always stick because they’re too funny not to. I trust Zee to rename anyone who acts weird, and she’ll do it with the straightest face. And let’s be honest: when God made her, He must’ve been showing off — those big, beautiful eyes, that radiant smile, and a stunningly voluptuous body. I always say He gave her everything!
Beyond the beauty, she’s brilliant and bold — a fierce advocate for sex workers’ rights, unafraid to speak truth and share her story. She’s my partner-in-crime in our late-night conversations about men, love, life, and everything in between.
When Zintle speaks, the world should take notes — she’s not just beautiful, she’s powerful.
And then there’s me Zintle Khobeni— the loud, laughing, snack-loving one who somehow turns every serious moment into a burst of joy. The one always talking, always eating, always reminding everyone to breathe and laugh between deadlines. My work may be rooted in GBV activism, community legal empowerment, and digital storytelling — but in this sisterhood, I’m just the wild heartbeat of the group, grateful beyond words to belong to this powerful tribe of women.
We are the type of group that thrives on spontaneity — we make a decision on the spot, right there and then, and we run with it like it’s the best plan ever cooked up under the sun. And you know what? It always turns out perfect, no matter how crazy it first sounds.
We’re the kind of people who’ll break into song in the middle of nowhere and trust me, we can make a song out of anything, take a million pictures, record ourselves acting like lunatics, and laugh until our stomachs hurt.
Food is our love language — we live for good food, and of course, we can’t forget that Sakhile is our vegetarian queen who keeps things balanced for us when we get too wild with the menu.
But beyond the laughter and the fun, we connect on a much deeper level too — spiritually. Many of us are spiritually gifted, and when the vibes are off, we sense it immediately. That gift binds us closer and makes our bond so powerful. Honestly, we’re a bunch of crazy souls, but we are good people — pure, kind-hearted, and so perfect for each other.
I love these sisters with all my heart; they’re amazing, incredible, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Now, let me tell you about the most ridiculous, hilarious thing we’ve come up with: our band. Yes, you read that right. We’re going to start a band. Do we know how to sing? Absolutely not. Can we carry a tune? Barely.
But do we have the energy, the chaos, and the confidence to pull it off? You bet we do. Trash music is a whole genre these days, and people are out here making millions.
So why not us? We’re ready for our Grammy. We’ve even got an album cover already (and yes, it’s gorgeous). Watch out world, because the Fabulous Five are coming to a stage near you.
What makes this circle so special is not just the laughter, the jokes, the trash music, or the fashion. It’s the love. Pure, unshakable love. We don’t try to outshine each other — instead, we shine brighter together.
We lift each other up, celebrate each other’s wins, and hold space for each other’s struggles. We’re not just friends. We’re sisters. And I know that this bond will outlast the fellowship.
So here’s to us — the party starters, the dreamers, the advocates, the queens. The Fabulous Five.
May our friendship continue to grow, may our band hit the charts (okay, maybe not), and may we keep shining in our corners while lighting up the whole world.
