Jenna-Leigh February’s mesmerising memoir

Goedheid en Guns: Agter my Swirlkous is the memoir of the astoundingly accomplished Jenna-Leigh February.

February, who resides in Bergbron, currently works as a news anchor for eNuus’ 7pm broadcast on kykNET and kykNET en Kie. She has worked at RSG as a presenter, at the Worcester Standard as a columnist and at the National institute of the Deaf as a public relation’s officer. All of that and she’s only 25.

In all of her triumphs, February’s life has not been an easy one. She had to finish matric via correspondence at 15, survived rape and abuse, and suffered through a failed marriage. She is adamant though that she is not a victim and that her faith has helped her get through all the bad.

The memoir’s title has become something of a brand for February. Taken from Psalm 23:6, it means goodness and mercy. It became synonymous with her image while she was working in radio. She wanted a way to inject her faith into her bulletin, and this phrase came to mind. Ever since she has used it to sign-off her broadcast; she even had T-shirts printed with the saying.

As for the rest of the title, a swirlkous is a piece of cut-up pantyhose that mostly coloured women use to keep their hair from frizzing when there is a lot of moisture in the air. Most women will wear a swirlkous when taking a bath, under a shower-cap, or while cooking because of the steam, although some do wear it to bed.

When asked if she was aware that some people might not know what a swirlkous is she replied, “All the more reason for people to read my book. Referring to the swirlkous and explaining the personal relationship I have with mine, I hope to draw attention to the incredible women who wear them.” She expressed the hope that people might consider it an invitation to look at a different culture.

February wrote this book because she wanted to show,”other girls or women like me that it is never too late to find your calling. Even if you make stupid mistakes early on, you persevere because you don’t know the full story. You don’t know what God has planned.”

February always knew that she was destined for great things. She says she always felt a silent conviction that she would amount to something more, even as a child. It’s enough to make one wonder how much more accomplished a single person can be, but no doubt Jenna-Leigh February will only go from strength to strength.

Goedheid en Guns is on sale and Jenna-Leigh is willing to do motivational speaking at churches and schools in the Roodepoort area. Her twitter handle is @DisJenna.