The women who made me

The women who made me

Amonge Sinxoto, 17, is at the forefront of black South African youth who are creating platforms for their generation to speak freely about the issues a ecting them through her company Blackboard Africa. Here, the vocal teen speaks on the five women who have done the same for her.

TERRY PHETO

She stepped into my life as a guiding figure, with a warm heart that serves beyond the call of duty. I’ve been constantly and consistently reminded of how essential humility is. She has provided space for vulnerability and growth, and has been one of the women who have significantly contributed to the progression of my life.

NOMPUMELELO SINXOTO

When I asked a colleague if she could sum up my mother in one word, she said, “Uncompromising.” That word has always stuck with me since then because it holistically encapsulates the woman that she is and the person she has raised me to be. She taught me the importance of remaining authentic and never losing sight of my purpose in all that I pursue.

ZINGISA SOCIKWA

After Zingisa moved from the Eastern Cape to come live with my family in Joburg, our bond grew immensely, and she instantly took on the role of an older sibling. As the oldest child of the house, she became a great example of someone I could look up to; setting the foundation that shaped me into the woman I am today. I couldn’t be more thankful for the role she has played.

NOMZAMO MBATHA

Through her work and personal guidance, Nomzamo has shown me how to have work ethic, to be consistent and to always stand by your word. These are character traits she’s never wavered from in the duration of our relationship. Furthermore, she has invested time into seeing young people grow, been an advocate for issues the black community often shies away from, and used her voice and platform to amplify the things close to her heart.

WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA

Although I was never able to establish direct contact with the great legend herself, I have always looked at her work as testimony of the might and resilience of women. When it came to her activism, I admired her willingness to persevere even when the odds, and the masses, weren’t in her favour. She encompasses the saying, “Be the change you want see.”