BABALWA speaks to Strongest Story on overcoming trauma; levelling the playing field for women & using her voice…

“The greatest challenge in my life came in 2013, when, as a young woman, I lost my child and was raped. Someone very close to me, and whom I trusted, betrayed my trust and left total devastation in my life and deep scars on my heart.

Both of these incidents left me totally broken. At the time I would lock myself in my room and I even stopped eating. I suffered severe headaches from the trauma, but these were nothing compared to the terrible ache in my heart. Healing was long and slow, but coming from a God-believing family, and having always been a woman of prayer, I turned to God. This was where I found hope. I knew that God could help me through this and heal and restore me.

Although it took me a long while to let go, forgive and become strong again, I was determined not to let this trauma destroy me. And it hasn’t. In fact, it has made me stronger and helped prepare me for so many other challenges that have come my way.

What helped me soldier on and move forward again was finding someone trustworthy to talk to and then to put my ultimate trust in God and prayer.

Silence can kill you - and it can also kill others. I urge every woman who has been a victim of rape and abuse not to remain silent. Let’s protect one another and speak up - that way we can save lives. The danger of remaining silent is that, the same person can repeat this violence again and again. I would encourage young women who have suffered from trauma to find the courage to talk. Talk to a friend, talk to a pastor, talk to a professional counsellor and talk to the police. Report crime. Women need to let their voices be heard.

Finally talk to God and know that in Him there is always hope and healing.”

“Women, let your voice be heard. Speak up and break the silence. Through speaking up we protect one another and we no longer remain the victim.” - Babalwa Zothe

A Personal Message from Strongest Story:

Last year we met Babalwe whilst we facilitated a team-building workshop with the Gary Kirsten Foundation coaches. We were both so immediately endeared towards her warm smile and gracious nature. It was brilliant to watch how Babalwe could so confidently hold her own amongst all the other male cricket coaches; and we could see that beneath her gentle exterior lay a spirit of resilience and fortitude that really impressed us. She adds so much value to the Gary Kirsten Foundation on so many levels and they are fortunate to have her in their coaching set up.

With a heart full of empathy, Babs, (as she is affectionately called by most) naturally reaches out to nurture those around her. Added to this, she has a determination to help grow and develop the potential in the people around her - most especially the women in her community. Her most commendable sense of responsibility and delightful positivity, enable her to persevere and remain optimistic despite so many challenges that often come her way.

She has an unwavering commitment to being authentic and true to her values; and this makes her a rock-solid ambassador for women.

Babs, Strongest Story is so excited to see where your incredible strengths and skills are going to take you. We know it’s going to be an exciting journey and you’ve most definitely got what it takes to grow and to live your strongest story.

We back you all the way!