Dr Celiwe Dada is a South African medical doctor and mother of three who has recently gained significant attention on social media, particularly TikTok, due to her candid storytelling about her personal life. She has shared her experiences of surviving an abusive marriage, focusing on the emotional and financial toll it took on her. Have […]
Obesity’s impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families and communities alike. This week’s Live By Design column delves into the challenges of discussing weight with kindness and understanding, highlighting the need for supportive dialogue and lifestyle changes. Through personal stories and reflections, it underscores the importance of empathy and open communication in addressing this complex […]
Horror movies are the most watched and most profitable genre. What allures us to watch disturbing movies? At least they are fiction, and in choosing to watch them, we think we are not harming anyone else. But what about when horrific videos circulate on social media that depict real life with real people? How do […]
In these lines of poetry, “In Blackwater Woods,” Mary Oliver, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for poetry and Unitarian Universalist minister, captures the essence of collective mourning: “Look, the trees are turning their bodies into pillars of light, are giving off the rich fragrance of cinnamon and fulfilment… you must be able to do three […]
It’s a dilemma that gnaws at the very core of our being: how do we reconcile love for family with the reality of their monstrous actions? How do we navigate the tightrope of loyalty and morality when those we care about have become entrenched in all that is wrong? During my holidays, my book-loving self […]
The end-of-year festive season has arrived. Many of us find ourselves preparing for gatherings with family and friends—a time often filled with joy, laughter, and warmth. However, it’s also a period when the complexities of our relationships can come to the surface. Comments about how we are as siblings, friends, or family members may arise, […]
A disturbing television news report about an Eastern Cape mother who’s been missing since 2021 left me cold. A Newzroom Afrika reporter detailed the difficulties the Bili family in Libode, Eastern Cape, had been experiencing following the mysterious disappearance of their mother, Nolizwi Bili. She was last seen on 6 December 2021, at a local […]
My best memories of my maternal grandparents are the Christmas holidays I spent with them. I remember one particular day vividly; we were sitting in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching one of my cousins washing dishes after supper. On that day, just like many other days, I was recounting tales from KwaMashu with much […]
There is a question that we often pose to attendees of our “Live by Design” workshops. It’s a simple yet profound inquiry: “What quality do you already have that, if amplified, would further improve your life?” The responses are diverse, but without fail, several reveal a common thread – patience, compassion, curiosity, and an eagerness […]
On Friday, I had the opportunity to speak at Tourquing with Giants, a leadership breakfast summit. My presentation aimed to encourage leaders to pause, reflect, and hopefully inspire a shift in how they lead and live. Here is the abbreviated version. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Mapi Mhlangu, and I want to […]