Rape survivor shares her story of hope

During a media conference in Sandton on 7 November, rape survivor Ntozanele Khanyi shared her story and explained how she has been able to recover and assist others on similar journeys.

Khanyi said she was raped twice – once by a family member at the age of five, and by a boyfriend at age 18. “I don’t connect with the word ‘survivor’ because you never really survive something so horrible. Last week, I heard a story about a seven-year-old girl who was raped by teenage boys. I could remember the smell of the guy who raped me.

“When I was raped again at age 18, I wondered why this was the way my life worked. He grabbed me and tore my dress.”

Khanyi, who is now 36, said through this horrible trauma of abuse, something beautiful has come – her ability to sew and design clothing. “As a woman, I have faced many difficulties and I wanted to give up, but God has kept me and for that I am thankful.”

Thanks to the support of the Mali Martin Shelter in Bronkhorstspruit, Khanyi was able to tell her story using fabric and beads and regain her self-worth. Through the Edgars Unite Orange Day Campaign, Khanyi was able to build on her sewing and design skills in workshops and a training course by Sew Africa College.

“I can tell stories using fabric and beads,” she added. She uses her sewing and design skills to provide an income for herself and her son and share her knowledge with people in the community of Ekangala, where she lives. She sells dresses, traditional clothing, jewellery and graduation gowns from her garage, where she also offers counselling to rape survivors.

“There is no need to be silent. There is help from social workers and police. Take that risk and fight for your life.”

Executive for sustainability at Edcon, Mercia Maserumule, said the campaign, launched in 2015 in partnership with United Nations Women, aims to assist survivors of abuse like Khanyi. So far, it has impacted over 120 people across the country to get out of abusive situations through fashion and design skills development.

People from across Joburg are encouraged to take part in the Edgars UNiTE Orange Run at Mushroom Park in Sandton at 7am on 2 December. The event, which costs R120 per person and is free for children under 12, aims to raise funds to support the work of the Orange Day Campaign.

Details: For more information on the run and the work of Edgars UNiTE, visit www.orangerun.co.za

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