Share your scars, tell your story
The team is once again busy working on The Scars show and asks members of the South Coast to reach out to them and share more stories.
Did you know that your physical and emotional scars carry stories? Stories so powerful that they just might help others share their most traumatic moments and potentially heal.
This is what Umzinto resident Kwanele Madondo is encouraging South Africans to do.
Madondo, who personally has his own physical (and emotional) scars after being severely burnt in a house fire about a decade ago, aims to help others overcome their ordeals and accept their scars as this is what makes people who they are.
“I always felt ashamed about how I looked with my physical scars and often covered up every inch of my body,” he said.
“It ended up scarring me emotionally for years, but now, after accepting my scars and seeing that I can help others feel comfortable in their own skin, I am now confident and proud of who I am.”
About two years ago, Madondo put together a team to create a reality show titled, The Scars. Through this talk show accessible on The Scars social media pages, he shared his personal story and conducted interviews with others battling to accept themselves.
Since then, the team familiarised themselves with the KZN community and has done motivational talks at numerous schools.
The team is once again busy working on The Scars show and asks members of the South Coast to reach out to them and share more stories.
“We are looking to feature people of different races, backgrounds and ages. For those who are camera shy, or not ready to put a name to their story, you can remain anonymous,” added Madondo.
“In the past two years, through the show and visiting schools, I have had people of all ages come up to me and open up about what they’ve encountered, and we helped them receive the necessary help. This included abuse and rape.”
Madondo believes that the show has helped people realise that help is always at hand.
“Sharing these stories helps others share their stories. We end up creating safe space for each other and show people that they should not be scared to embrace the scars that make them who they are.”
“It’s okay to be scared of all that you’ve been through in life, but it’s not okay to be ashamed of who you are. If you do feel this way about yourself, The Scars team is here to help change your opinion and offer you love and support.”
Besides the storytellers, the team is always ready to welcome more volunteers to help them carry forth this service to others.
There are roles available for those fluent in English to assist with story translations for videos and writing success stories for social media pages. Those that are more tech savvy are also encouraged to join. Remember, this is on a voluntary basis.
Schools are also encouraged to reach out to the team, should they want them to give motivational talks to learners.
To share your stories, join the team or if you need help, contact 063 8311294. Alternatively reach out to The Scars on Facebook.
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