Attempted hijacking survivor launches book in Lonehill

A Diepsloot resident and survivor launched her autobiography on 29 May in Lonehill with the support of her community.

Refilwe Sedumedi (43) launched her book, titled Reflection of a True Survivor, with loved ones and community members present. Family members who were present also gave speeches on the person Sedumedi is and how she grew and healed.

Sedumedi was overwhelmed at the turnout of people at the venue for the launch, and what people had to say about her.
“It was more than what I had expected. People reserved their seats, but others just came and paid for a book. For me, it is so overwhelming and I’m touched.

“As much as it has been overwhelming, it has also been emotionally draining. There were performances that were done by kids, and it took me back to that moment of my life,” she said.
In 2013, Sedumedi was in remission for breast cancer. She was also the victim of an attempted hijacking in 2019. She was shot in the neck, and the bullet is still lodged within the tissue. She had started writing her book at the beginning of last year.

“Emotions are there for a reason, hence the name of the book because it is a reflection of my life journey. I will always reflect back to that moment and feel emotional,” she told Fourways Review.
Sedumedi started her foundation, the Sedumedi Hope Foundation that aims to empower, motivate and educate women from rural areas about breast cancer.

“I have had phases in my life where I could have felt sorry for myself but I refused, because if I did I would not be who and where I am today. I embraced my pain because I certainly could not escape it but could only go through it.

“How I deal with any pain in my life determines my victory and I strongly believe that it can do that for most people out there thinking it is the end of the world.”
Sedumedi said she hopes to write another book soon.

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