With gender-based violence continuing to be the thing that holds our country captive, more and more public personalities are beginning to open up about their experiences.
Among those are Zamanje “Za” Mongalo, the current Mrs Independent International South Africa, title holder.
Za, as she is commonly referred to, is well familiar with the strength it takes for children and women to grow up in modern South Africa. In an interview with the news and entertainment publication, Daily Sun, she explained that she has been the survivor of two traumatic experiences that had a big impact on her current life.
Speaking to the publication, she revealed that not only was she abused as a child, but during her years at university, she was also the victim of a kidnapping.
With the trauma caused by those events now being healed, her goal is now to use her platform to encourage other young girls that they too can be victorious.
The Limpopo model says that the thing that kept her persevering was competing in pageants and focusing on her education.
“Pageantry has been part of my healing process,” she says.
“It has helped me find my voice, and now I can use that voice to help young girls and women who have been through similar experiences.”
Her advice to others is to speak up so that the process of healing can begin.
“You are bigger than what happened to you.”
“Education is a powerful tool. It opens doors and helps you connect to people who can help you heal and grow.”
Also see: Learn about what it takes to be Miss South Africa at new Masterclass
