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 […]
Recently, a friend of mine shared a legal document with me that he described as an effort to “correct the wrongs” of his late father. In what he believed was a wise decision, his father had made him the sole beneficiary in his will, leaving the family home, savings, and all material possessions solely to […]
“These days are long but years are short.” – Gretchen Rubin This week, I experienced a lightbulb moment. Despite the familiar chaos of Johannesburg traffic that greets me every morning and night, I realised I am generally in a happy space. As the hours merge into a stop-and-go routine, frustration can easily build. But […]
For several months, Helena Dolny and I have embarked on a journey of exploration and reflection, delving into what it truly means to live by design. Together, we have crafted pieces that examine the importance of intentional living in every aspect of our lives – from daily choices that shape our moments with loved ones […]
Helena Dolny and I co-founded Love Legacy Dignity (LLD) in 2019 with an agreement that she would lead, and I would support for the first five years. In early 2023 we further agreed that 29 February 2024, the end of the financial year, would be the day of the official handover. Helena has dedicated thousands […]
In the aftermath of the thought-provoking column by Helena Dolny, “What do you think is good death?” the discourse surrounding patients’ right to choose how they die has ignited fervent debate. While some argue vehemently against this right, citing health professionals’ perspectives, the nuance and complexity of this issue come sharply into focus. Drawing parallels […]
As South Africa commemorates the 30th anniversary of its inaugural democratic elections held on April 27th, 1994, I have been reflecting on our national journey. The milestone signifies three decades of democracy, encapsulating both achievements and challenges that have shaped the nation. With the upcoming national and provincial elections scheduled for May 29th, the focus […]
I visited my good friend who is in post-op recovery. She told me of her pre-op preparation, of her instructions to her daughter, her clarity about her Do Not Resuscitate order in the event of things going badly. Then she asked me, “Do you remember that sentence from Abraham Verghese’s novel, Cutting for Stone?” it […]