Grooming young ladies to be super women – Mandeni

More than 60 girls belonging to the Zazi Girl organisation were encouraged to be independent and given tips on how to handle life’s challenges.

The girls were treated to a high tea party at the Salvation Army Church at Wetane area in Mandeni recently.

The organisation was started by Dunga Primary School teacher, Zipho Ngema, in 2015 with the aim of fighting the issue of teen pregnancy and social ills in the community.

Guest speaker Thuli Mkhwanazi, who said she had been sexually abused at the age of eight, motivated the girls to always keep their heads up, strive for excellence and never give up on their dreams.

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“I come from a poor family and on top of that, I was abused by a family member. That forced me to leave home and stay at a children’s home. While I was there, I was taken care of and went to a better school than the one I was attending. However, I got caught up in the peer pressure and got pregnant.

“All the things that happened to me, can cause a young girl to lose hope and give up on her dreams. So, I stand here as a testimony that whatever you go through, no matter what happens to you, you can do it.”

Today Mkhwanazi has a diploma in catering and is working at one of the children home in Mandeni.

Ngema said she takes in girls aged 10 to 20 but recently also started to accommodate those who are under 10 because they are also exposed to some of the same challenges.

As a teacher, she also helps those who are struggling in school and lends support to local women pursuing professional careers.

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