ThyREST celebrates one year anniversary

Ekuphumleni Restoration Home (ThyRest) a place for women who are victims of sexual abuse, rape, human trafficking or caught up in prostitution, celebrated their first anniversary on Saturday.

An anniversary awareness and fundraising event themed ‘Queens quilted together over conversations that matter’ was held in the city. The programme featured a panel of guest speakers who addressed guests on issues ranging from rejection, rape and divorce to widowhood, HIV/Aids and depression.

Guests had the opportunity to meet Grizelda Grootboom, a human trafficking survivor and author of ‘Exit’. Her story had many a guest in tears. Grootboom related how, at the age of nine, her life changed dramatically when she was gang raped by teenagers in her township. Her story reflects the cycle of poverty, family abandonment, dislocation and survival in the streets of Cape Town. She reveals the seedy and often demonised life of a prostitute, the clubs life and her involvement in prostitution, sex slavery and the drug industry over a period of 12 years. Andile Neluvhalani, Miss Limpopo Teen 2015 was also among the guest speakers. Her contribution centred on her experiences as a depression sufferer.
One of the guests, Mojela Nenza said the event had been an enriching experience and that she was appreciative of the opportunity to attend.

Story: LEANDRI VAN SCHALKWYK
>>leandri.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Nobza Javu, founder of ThyRest and Andile Neluvhalani, Miss Limpopo Teen 2015 who was one of the guest speakers at ThyRest’s first birthday celebrations on Saturday.