Local organisation helps to enhance the knowledge of children
“In those dark moments, I yearned for understanding, for someone to lend an ear, but my voice remained silenced.”
Phumzile Mthembu writes children’s books under her company, Khwezi Edu.
She published her first books titled Khwezi, Affirmations for Children Mind Shaping and Be Kind to Your Mind in 2022.
After the success of her books, she registered her business in January this year and currently operates from the Phomolong Section.
She said what drove her to write was that she thought children were immune to the challenges of mental health.
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The profound truth that shook her core was when she heard the youngest person to commit suicide in South Africa was a six-year-old boy from Limpopo.
This tragic event opened her eyes to the harsh reality that young minds can bear unimaginable burdens.
She said witnessing her parents’ separation, without anyone to guide her through the process, burdened her young mind.
“I felt unloved, at fault, and utterly alone.“
The weight of these emotions led Mthembu to contemplate the unthinkable; as a child, seeking solace in suicide.
“In those dark moments, I yearned for understanding, for someone to lend an ear, but my voice remained silenced.”
When her own child faced bullying, it reignited the painful memories of her childhood.
That’s when she took a stand; deciding to pave a different path.
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She embarked on a mission to educate children about mental health through the power of storytelling, birthing Khwezi Children’s Books.
The community is responding to her works with companies such as Pick n Pay School Club, The 100 Percent Foundation, 1 000 Women Trust, Sibahle Bath Salts, DevelopingSA, ANDE and primary schools playing a significant role in helping her idea come to life.
Mthembu is grateful to see her works touch community members.
“Listening to what the children had to say gave me so much warmth.
“Receiving the support we have from different stakeholders gave me hope.
“It showed me there are so many corporate companies willing to serve the community.
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“It is a matter of us creating learning platforms for children.
“I think our community has not created a culture of reading within households.
“I believe through initiatives such as spelling bees, workshops and book clubs for both parents and children, we can assist in creating a community with a culture of reading and a safe space where children can become the best vision of themselves,” Mthembu said.
