Rape victim want to inspire, revive and give hope to the victims of gender-based victims

Inspired by the late struggle stalwarts like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and other South African women who endured pain and overcame impossible situations, a young author and poet from Alexandra is on a mission to help other victims of rape speak out about their painful experiences.

Langutani Rikhotso (18) a storyteller and motivational speaker who had just matriculated in 2019 has written 35 poems and one of them was recently featured in the National Library of South Africa Book of 2019.

In 2016, Rikhotso suffered an irreparable scar in her life when a serial rapist broke into her home and raped her.

“I started writing poems, short stories and novels in 2017 following a painful incident that robbed me of my peace. My work is aimed at helping other victims of rape and those who suffered at the hands of cruel men. I want to inspire them, give them hope and let them know that there is a way out of the situation.”

Last year she wrote a poem about late president Nelson Mandela, praising the nation’s hero for the sacrifices he made to liberate the country.

“One of my poems was featured in last year’s book by the National Library of South Africa. Having one of my works published in a book of an institution like the National Library of South Africa boosted my confidence to continue voicing my views to help others. I found poetry and stories as one of many methods that can help heal the heart-broken, especially the victims of gender-based violence.”

Rikhotso performs and shares her story and experiences with the public at events and functions to raise awareness and encourages victims and women to speak out.

For more on Langutani Rikhotso’s work, follow her at @LangutaniAdvocate1 on Twitter or email her at advocatelangutani@gmail.com

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