Woman shares her dark past on gripping DVD

She used to be a victim of rape, abusive relationships, drugs and promiscuity.

This is what Azania Barends, 35, from Toekomsrus had been through in her life. However, she has put it all behind her.

Azania released a gripping DVD titled My Turning Point that tells the story of her life. She hopes that through this she could inspire women to make the right choices in a relationship and in life.

Azania’s sad story started back in high school when she became the victim of rape. Her mom and dad also got divorced and after matric she got involved with the man whom she later married – according to her too soon. The couple moved to Kroonstad, where she was left alone in a flat every weekend while her husband was having affairs with several women.

Two stormy years followed during which the couple had moved to Bloemfontein and their son was born. One night Azania saw her husband with another woman. After a huge fight he took his possessions and left her.

Azania’s parents decided that for her to get back on her feet, their grandchild should stay with them. She moved to George in 2003. Her days in George were filled with hardship and soon she started getting involved in drugs and promiscuous behaviour. She dated a man much older than her, got involved with a married man and even was offered gifts in exchange for sexual favours.

She then received a call about her mom having cancer and she also got a contact for better job opportunities in Kroonstad. She moved there and soon afterward a man she met in George followed her and they moved in together.

After two years, their relationship ended when he started drinking with his friends during the day and eventually ended up trying to strangle her. He also displayed odd behaviour by cutting her shoes in half and becoming very possessive. She had to obtain a interdict against him. She then got involved in yet another relationship, but after he had been in a motorbike accident his attitude towards her changed and he began treating her badly.

The turning point for Azania came when she was standing in the middle of the road on her way to her then boyfriend.

She suddenly heard a voice that said: “Do you know how it feels when people you love keep on turning their backs on you?”

I knew it was God, telling me how I have taken men into my life and turned them into kings, which they were not,” she said.

She never crossed that street but turned back home. In the eight years thereafter, Azania apologised to her family and met with a bishop, who brought her closer to God. She also married her current husband, Brian Barends, who produced her DVD. They have three children.

Azania now speaks at women’s events and will be at events in Welkom, Kroonstad, Ermelo, Bloemfontein and Brakpan soon. Through these talks, she urges girls and women to think twice before getting into a sexual relationship and also warns against teenage pregnancy and abusive relationships.

The Herald is to upload the video in due course.

Anyone interested in the DVD, or wish to invite Azania speak at their event, can contact Brian on 082 428 2376.

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