MBOMBELA – With the alarming number of women dying at the hands of loved ones, world-renowned gospel sensation and the ”doctor of soul”, Rebecca Malope encourages women not to tolerate any form of abuse.
“Just one slap, run for dear life before he might end up killing you. That’s why I came up with the song, “Hamba juba…. Bayokuhlutha phambili! which was dedicated to my mother.” Rebecca acknowledged women of the province at a recent DVD launch which was taken during the Women Economic Summit at Ingwenyama Lodge.
Malope said life was not a bed of roses for her but God had a plan for her as He does with everyone’s life. “No matter what you are going through right now, God is good and has plans for us all. He made my way, He will surely make yours too.”
She also encouraged women to hone their skills through any education opportunities available. “I had grade three and remembered how I couldn’t conduct radio interviews and kept laughing throughout the show. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t express myself on national radio. Then I decided to hire a private teacher who coached me to communicate in English.
“Because God is good, today I travel the world. I sit with presidents and I’m able to express myself,” she said. This comes after 32 years of being in the music industry and flying the flag of Mpumalanga high.
The DVD, titled Shwele Baba is a true story about Rebecca’s life. It’s about her humble beginnings in KaNyamazane where she was born in a family characterised by domestic violence, which compelled her to leave home and start working as a farm girl while girls of her age enjoyed being under their parents’ wing. It shows that through her determination and talent she defied all odds and rose to fame after winning the From Shadow to Fame competition.
Introducing the DVD, the MEC for human settlements, Violet Siwela said Rebecca’s life showed that someone’s background shouldn’t determine her future and destiny.
“As a province we are proud to have given birth to heroes like our world-renowned sister. Her voice and songs soothe the soul as the spirit seeks counsel from the Maker. Her music touches us in so many ways and we are proud that in all her successes she remained humbled and grounded,” said Siwela.
“We are more than proud to have given existence to Rebecca Malope. Her life is a story to tell, we salute her,” Siwela added.
