Toti’s latest published author, Olwami Shangase, who turns 12 this October, has turned her pain into a work of art.
The Umbogintwini Primary School Grade 6 learner started writing her book ‘Rejected Treasure’ last October as a means of therapy. “When I turned seven, I found out that my father is actually my stepfather and my biological father didn’t want me. He gave my mom an ultimatum – either she aborted me or he would leave.”
Olwami has never met nor heard from her biological father. “I was disappointed in myself and my father for a long time and I felt I was not worthy. My stepdad was always welcoming and nice, and he has always treated me as his own. I was sad and angry at my biological father, but appreciated what my stepdad did for me. He has always supported us through thick and thin, and acted like he was my real father. As far as I’m concerned, he is my real dad, because my biological father was never present in my life.”
The young girl was so emotionally scarred by feelings of rejection, she even contemplated suicide. “I came to realise that some things in life you will lose, which encouraged me to write my book. Others who have also been affected by pain also encourage me to write. I realised God’s purpose was for me to feel such pain, so that I could relate to others, which helped me. Writing my story from my heart healed me from the pain and self-doubt I was feeling.”
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Once Olwami had finished writing her story, her mother enlisted the services of a professional writer, Sylvia Garth, who helped flesh it out. She also steered them in the right direction to get it published and it was sent off to the publishers about five months ago. After some editing and paying a friend from church to do the cover art, the young author was delighted to receive her first copy.
“I love English, especially quotes, poems and essays. I like writing from the heart and putting my imagination on paper. I think I have a second novel in me, but I’m not rushing into anything.”
The feedback she has already received from people who have read her book has touched her. “Some have said my book made them want to cry and one of my dad’s friends said he can’t wait for my second book.”
Olwami’s biological father is the one who has missed out on not knowing this intelligent, compassionate and talented young girl, and it is to the betterment of our world that she has now realised what an incredible person she is and that the world is her oyster. She is one of the lucky few who turn everything they touch into gold. She excels on the sports field and enjoys running cross-country and soccer, but has also participated in karate, ballet, gymnastics, modelling and ice-skating.
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She was born in Marianhill and attended school in Pinetown while her family lived in Hammersdale and Umlazi, but now lives in Lovu Township since last year. She joined Twini Primary in Grade 4 and would like to pursue a career in natural science after school.
“What I have learnt through this whole experience is that I must not doubt God – He has a reason for everything. What happens is meant to be. Stepparents need to understand that taking on children who are not their own is like caring for a brittle glass. That child has been broken and the glue they need to use to mend that glass is love and acceptance, not abuse.”
Rejected Treasure is available to buy from the publisher’s website www.writeonchapbooks.co.za at a cost of R95 or Adam’s Bookstore at R120.
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