‘In the name of THAT father.’

We are fatigued a year later, and anxiety lives carefree, yet our voice is still not on lockdown. We have learnt to operate, work and live differently. We continue to fight the same battles.

In 2020, I contributed to Destiny magazine May/June issue. I wrote on the realities of GBV in our country, highlight lighting the horrific facts that many people forced to be indoors with their tormentors due to the lockdown. A year later, we are still here, but the violence indoors has not stopped. There are more job losses, the cost of living has increased tremendously, and we are still not safe.

Destiny Magazine May-June 2020 issue. Article:Featured in Cover collaborations: Safety & Security

https://reader.magzter.com/reader/6jixbd5v6jtvvbk8vofz44803214949848/448032#page/14

Taken from http://www.reuters.com A member of the South African National Defense Force looks on during a patrol to enforce a nationwide lockdown, aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus disease, in Alexandra township, South Africa, March 28, 2020.

In South Africa, we are in our third wave, and we are back to Level 4 lockdown. President Ramaphosa has deployed the South African National Defence Force to two provinces. As history has dictated, when territories go into war, the women, children, and LGBTQI community suffer the most. Misogyny and patriarchy continue to disrupt our lives. The actions lead to wars and violence. 

The reality is that we have been in a crisis for years, heightened by the pandemic. The corruption and lack of accountability have made it worse. 

Did one person cause the latest uprisings? Yes. 

Is everyone looting doing it under his name? No—many are tired, hungry and fed up. Some are criminals. Which is connected to the socioeconomic problems that we have faced for centuries.

Our country is in turmoil from the vaccine and PPE scandals, and our government has failed to provide adequate support to the people. Handing out R350 stipends is not providing support. It is ludicrous that government officials and ministers squander millions of rands and then carry on with their everyday lives with no accountability. 

Suppose we had access to vaccines, adequate health care and a government that stands for the people. In that case, we could have avoided a lot of the covid related deaths. The looting on the ground is inexcusable but is it any different from those ministers and government officials who have looted state funds?

Our focus is on the SANDF on the ground; we have not forgotten the related deaths in 2020.  

Collins Khosa, we still remember. 

Over the past few days, we have seen communities putting their energy behind one man; as my comrade, Steve Letsike stated- ‘Your anger is misplaced. Zuma hands himself to the police; there is an uprising. Women, LGBTIQ People, children are murdered and raped. You are quiet in your homes and not bothered—Nisile’. 

Imagine what could happen if we placed that energy into fighting GBV?

As we try and navigate through this next wave and phase of uncertainty coupled with the expected violence on defenceless people, we need to take care. Take care of ourselves, our mental well being and be gentle with ourselves. 

Find coping mechanisms that help with anxiety or negative triggers. Find one’s positive triggers. Once you have taken care of yourself, remember to check in on those alone, in abusive homes or fragile. Check up on your ‘strong’ friends and family too. With the high level of PTSD, our bodies have no control over when it affects us mentally, physically or spiritually.

The reality remains. We had a pandemic way before GBV; the brute and force that our country has shown for one man prove that womxn, children and LGBTQI in South Africa are alone. The reality is that patriarchy and misogyny will always take centre stage, and that unity is conditional. Government support is conditional. 

Support structures

LGBTQI

Home

https://www.genderdynamix.org.za

Anxiety, depression and suicide.

http://lifelinesa.co.za

0861 322 322

SADAG

https://www.sadag.org

Dr Reddy’s Help Line

0800 21 22 23

Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline

0800 456 789

Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line

0800 20 50 26

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline

0800 70 80 90

ADHD Helpline

0800 55 44 33

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline

0800 12 13 14

SMS 32312

Suicide Crisis Line

0800 567 567

SADAG Mental Health Line

011 234 4837

Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour

0861 435 787

Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line

(9 am-4 pm, seven days a week)

076 882 2775

GBV

Rape Crisis centre

Home

https://www.tears.co.za

https://www.letsatsihealingspace.biz

An ode to the #RUReferenceList movement.

TW: An ode to the #RUReferenceList movement.

Five years ago, the colony’s management at Rhodes University called the South African Police Service (SAPS) on protesting unarmed women students. On the morning of 17 April 2016, the SAPS was given the full go-ahead to use force on the unarmed students. Their instruction was to use whatever costs necessary to stop the protesting.

On that day, women students + allies at the colony Rhodes University made history. These brave students did what no one expected to happen and demanded that the perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence be held accountable. They refused to coddle the perpetrators any longer and play along with the status quo.

Several students arrested, the university’s management targeted others, which was the beginning of the legal action taken against victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. 

That day, the warriors inspired victims and survivors globally. Victims whose communities had silenced them, silenced into shame and guilt for crimes committed against them because of rape and sexual violence.

That day the student embarked on a journey for justice not only for themselves but for those they cared for and for future generations of students and women in general who may be at risk and exposed to gender-based violence. 

A list of 11 names is what shut down that institution. 

We must never forget those 11 names, and we must never forget that there will always be others for as long as we don’t stand up and break the silence – Disrupt the patriarchy and hold the system accountable!

Where were the alleged perpetrators? 

What happened to the men who raped the women?  

The male-led institution ensured they were kept safe and isolated, and protected. Many of them went on to graduate from university and work and pursue their dreams. 

We will never forget it.

 #RUReferenceList

#RememberRUReferenceList

Please watch and share a five-year commemoration video written by Gorata Chengeta, narrated by Yolanda Dyantyi.

WILL YOU ONLY CARE ABOUT US IN MEMORIAM?

When SA lockdown was announced, our entertainment industry shut down and those that do not have political ties or commercial contracts, suffered the most as the gig economy came to a standstill.

For decades we have seen talented artisans dying poor and then given huge memorials and accolades at their burials. As much as this is necessary we need to adopt the culture of supporting and respecting creatives whilst they are still alive. The new age of social media and content creation has changed the game, which is great but it has opened up a platform for mediocrity and popularity to dominate the space. A few years back, I had an altercation with a producer over a casting. My agency was casting for a local drama and the producers gave me the contract to look for suitable and experienced talent. We conducted a huge casting session and when I brought back the audition materials, my suggestions, the producers then said that they had earmarked certain celebrities to play the specific roles. Not only was this unfair on the actors who took their time, money and effort to work hard and attend the auditions, but these so-called celebrities also did not audition, have never had any training and the decision was made on their social media following. I lost the battle with a few talents but fought hard on certain leads, demanding that everyone come in and audition. Once given the space and the opportunity to improvise and do character development, the producers and the channel realised that that social media following does not equate to talent. Certain individuals showed that their talent and range is limited, they could not break down a script, failed in breathing techniques and were very bland in delivery.
My heart still goes out to that talent who had used their finances to catch public transport, learn lines and attend the auditions with the hope of fulfilling their dreams. It is that group of creatives, who have suffered the most during the lockdown. Many applied for funding through various apartments, some of us received a once-off payment of a few thousand rands, which in my case, I was able to provide groceries and supplies for my mother. However, many have not been as successful and then some have been given millions of rands, as they have political affiliations and we know how patriarchy works.

This week, the musician, Chicco, wrote an open letter to the known abuser, Arthur Mafokate, please see below.

A few days later, The Daily Sun printed an article that another singer, Chomee received R2 million rand from NAC.
https://www.dailysun.co.za/Celebs/shock-over-chomees-millions-20210324

At the beginning of March, the opera singer Sibongile Mngoma staged a sit-in at The National Arts Council requesting answers about the presidential employment stimulus programme (Pesp). This was set at R300 Million.
The NAC council have suspended the CEO Rosemary Mangope and CFO Clifton Changfoot pending an investigation about the management of the R300m Pesp.
Julie Diphofa has been appointed as the acting CEO, who has been a senior official at the NAC for over 20 years and Reshma Bhoola as the acting CFO.

As activists, we have made contact with Sis Sibongile and tried to provide support where we can but in reality, we know that the guilty parties will not be held accountable.

This week was such a sombre moment for me, as I attended the memorial service of the late Noxolo ‘Noxee’ Maqashalala. This phenomenal artist and creative passed away a few weeks back. The beautiful ceremony was held in the downstairs theatre at the Market Theatre. Due to time constraints, I could only attend a few hours of the memorial, which had been planned for the full day.

I had the opportunity of meeting Noxee, whilst working in the film Hotel Rwanda in 2004. On one of the shoot days, we shared a dressing room. Although our interaction was brief, I loved her warm nature and honesty on many topics around women in our industry and following our dreams. I followed her career for many years and as it was stated at the memorial service, her work was so underrated and she deserved so many more accolades as an actor and producer, but unfortunately, this did not happen whilst she was alive.
Rolie, Nikiwe, one of South Africa’s prolific filmmakers and writers, gave a beautiful send-off, reiterating my sentiments. He also pointed out that mental health in the industry is real and now with Covid-19, we need to look out for search other.
The minister fo arts and culture was due to speak later on in the day but I had to leave. On walking to the parking, I was able to join a few warriors who were protesting outside the NAC, regarding the mismanagement of the PESP funds.

The irony of two of the placards read- RIP. WILL YOU ONLY CARE ABOUT US IN MEMORIAM?
and another… NATHI MUST FALL.

This chilling experience came minutes after it was spoken about at a memorial of an artist, who did not receive the right recognition when she was alive.

So what is the next step? Denying starving artists access to funding is another form of financial abuse. Awarding wealthy and connected artists, with millions of rands, whilst others suffer and die in silence is violence in itself.

If the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture must fall, do we have a suitable candidate, who understands our industry and will have our best interests at heart? We know he has a lack of knowlegde regrading GBV but are there other people who will really help. What can we do to save the indutry?

Finacial abuse is abuse.

Happy women’s day.

It is great to see that so many corporate companies and places want to create awareness on GBV, this is necessary. We know that GBV has been protected by the patriarchy, so we need to take note of our actions. Before we can learn we need to unlearn a lot of the patriarchal principles. This is not easy as they have been governed by laws, religion and societal attitudes
WE CANNOT APPLY PATRIARCHAL PRINCIPLES WHEN TRYING TO END GBV. 

Many financial bodies have made budgets available for GBV projects in TV and film, and this is great. Please take time to understand the narrative you are pushing and apply it to the actual production itself. So if you are addressing the problems and issues around ownership and control of women’s bodies, understand that our voices and agency are attached to that. Yes, you need expert advice from activists, NGO’s counsellors and therapists, but not for free. Gone are the days of using our voices for free under the umbrella that it is ‘our CSI or we are doing our bit to help’. Many people and organisations have dedicated their lives to this work and just as the companies get paid, this work deserves remuneration.
To the international ‘United’ bodies, creating awareness on equal pay is essential and that should also be applied when hiring artists for your events and campaigns. Gone are the days of expecting artists to perform, moderate or speak for exposure. 
These are all other forms of financial abuse.

Rosie Motene

Life Coach and counsellor at Letsatsi Healing Space

Pan African queer feminist & activist, writer, media proprietor and global speaker.

TEDxLytteltonWomen- https://youtu.be/y1NGnVB4Ud4

Entertainment manager at WAKA talent agency

A quiet Lurv retreat!

To celebrate our love, breath and life, we went on a pre-valentine weekend. The treat was filled with laughter, walking, meeting phenomenal human beings, eating delicious strawberries and of course, breathing.

On Friday afternoon we headed to Modimolle to the Leeuwenhof Country Lodge & Garden Spa. The easy route took approximately two and a half hours from Johannesburg. On arrival, the friendly staff welcomed us. Samuel showed us around the establishment after we were filled out the necessary Covid-19 forms and recorded our temperatures. A spa treatment had been pre-booked and the time slots were noted, with the dinner times, set as they anticipated load-shedding. We drove from the reception to our little private haven. Our private cottage included a mini lounge, built in a gas fireplace, bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The lounge led out onto a small patio with jacuzzi which looked out onto the magnificent nature reserve, that surrounded the main building. We were rather upset to learn that although the Jacuzzi jets worked, the heat pump operated by a specific maintenance person, this person was not on the property. It would have been a perfect setting for the cold weather but too cold to uses a plunge pool.

Our activities:

Our first morning, we awoke to the natural bird sounds and drizzles of rain. The comfortable king-size bed provided us with the most peaceful sleep and night. We put on our lodge gowns and had our coffee on our patio. We then showered and walked to the main house for breakfast and plan the day. Kgomotso shared our itinerary the night before. We knew we had time to kill before our 15h00 spa treatment, so we booked strawberry picking. The slot was for 11h00 and included three empty punnets for our hand-picked strawberries which cost R100 per person.
The strawberry picking takes place at Sampada AGRI, an adjacent property to Leeeuwenhof. One of the workers took us through the strawberry tunnels and explained the different varieties of strawberries.

We arrived back at the lodge and decided to take a little walk around the property as the game drive and hiking were not available. After which we retreated to the lodge patio and enjoyed a light lunch. We chose the chicken mayonnaise tramezinni, which comes with farm style chips. The meal is big enough for two people to share. Samuel also makes a mean gin and tonic with the necessary trimmings.

Our spa treatment

We arrived 5 minutes before our scheduled time. We were disappointed when the spa person abruptly told us to leave and that our treatment would take place the following day. We looked at the schedule, and our names crossed out. She told us that they needed to accompany other clients. The information communicated in a cold and aloof way. We were also confused as the lodge staff reminded us on two occasions about our treatment at that time and that we should arrive 5 minutes early. This treatment and the jacuzzi were the only setbacks for the weekend.

Instead of holding onto that negative energy, we honoured an invite from another group of guests. The guests were playing 30 -seconds on the lawn. We joined their two groups, and the afternoon spent sipping G&T’s, playing games, laughing and creating social distance memories.

One of the other items on our agenda included a night picnic. As the weather forecast rain, the staff requested if they could set it up in our room. A picnic blanket spread out on our lounge floor. The maintenance staff ignited the fireplace. The delicious spread included an assortment of white and red meats, salads and delicious desserts. Of the course, our choice of Spier wine was the perfect pairing partner to the food. The maintenance staff tried to put on the heat pump, but the person who could assist was not around. We made the best of the crackling fire, delectables and our breath.

The next morning, we woke up, had our breakfast and checked out. We opted not to go for the newly assigned spa treatment as it would have rushed us before our check out time.

What we ate:
Our arrival dinner was a set menu. The starters were soup dishes, and the main course was lamb, with mint sauce and vegetables. The meat was delicious and tender, and the veggies perfectly crispy and succulent. For dessert, I had the strawberry delight. Loadshedding set in halfway through dinner, but the staff were so efficient and soon turned the large eating hall into the perfect romantic setting. Kudos to the chef for managing to present hot plates of food during the distress time. After dinner, we opted for a candlelit nightcap on our little porch.

Breakfast included a buffet of scrambled eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, beef sausages and bacon, along with freshly baked scone, waffles, lots of strawberries and fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Our stay.
The cottages are spacious and clean. The king-size bed is perfect and provided the right amount of rest. We loved the extra touch with the hearts, at turn down every night.
Kgomotso and Samuel deserve a special mention. We have noticed and understand that many resorts have had to cut down on staff, which means extra work for the people on the ground. This team, including the kitchen and maintenance, worked like a well-oiled machine and very pleasant.

The quiet, offline time was what our souls and bodies needed.

Practising self love, together.

This festive season, my partner and I opted to spend Christmas with our respective families and then a quiet night in for New Year’s eve. As much as we thought we had a break as we went into January, the covid fatigue had a permanent space in our lives.

Two weeks into January, I received a text message from my partner asking if I was up for a cosy weekend, of course, I said yes, then I was asked to pack our bags for a weekend getaway. Feeling absolute ecstatic, I packed our bags, and we set off on our surprise location. Approximately 45 minutes later, we arrived at Thabo Eco Hotel, situated in the Klipriviersberg nature reserve.

On arrival, the security guard did the necessary security and covid checks, and we drove up to the parking area. At the reception, we were met by a peaceful, tranquil space with friendly and accommodating staff. Check-in was quick, and the friendly staff explained in detail, what was on offer and the new regulations as per covid government regulations. Our stay was when South Africa was under the new curfew, so the restaurant would serve dinner early as closing time had changed. We arrived late afternoon, and we had not eaten lunch, so the arrangement suited us fine as we were planning on having an early dinner.

Our room:
The decor is magnificent, spacious and set amid the bush. We had a small balcony, that was large enough for a patio table and two chairs, with a lovely view of the property and surrounding landscape. The king-size bed faced another open window which to had a great glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
We were delightfully surprised to find that the drinks (non-alcoholic) and snacks, plus the coffees and teas, were all complimentary and were stocked daily.

Our bathroom equipped with a large shower, bath and twin basins, towelling gowns and the necessary toiletries. The toilet is separate.

Our daily adventures:
After a good nights sleep, we woke up early and went on a great hike. The hiking trail started on the top end of the property, with rocky mountain terrain and vegetation. We were lucky to capture some wildlife as well as pass several cyclists. The trails are accessible from outside the reserve, so day trips are available.
We explored the spa that at the top of the farm, next to the hiking trail. ‘Sinzinani Spa’ has a breathtaking view and has a menu of various beauty and relaxing treatments.

Next to the rooms, there is an open gym area where we could stretch after the hike. We had a power shower with perfect power pressure and then dashed to breakfast.

What we ate:
Breakfast served in the same restaurant as dinner. The waitrons were incredibly efficient despite the fact they were understaffed. They tried their best to attend to their tables, but there is so much a human can do. The restaurant was the only negative part of our stay. Perhaps the establishment should hire more waitrons to assist during breakfast, what added to the tension was the constant shouting and swearing which came from the kitchen. We discovered the loud abuse came from the chef. I have never understood why chefs find it necessary to shout and belittle staff in a restaurant. Unfortunately, his verbal abuse heard throughout the restaurant.
Our waiter was apologetic about the situation. We ensured that they received personal tips for their sterling work.
I ate the delicious homemade Granola with fresh fruit, and my partner had the eggs, bacon and avocado. Unfortuabntaly that was cold. The following day we had the french toast and Granola.

Our adventures continued.

The rest of the day included walking through the beautiful myriads, pathways and secret gardens. The garden landscaping and rock features had small features attached and some with written scriptures or stories.

On arrival we had pre-ordered a picnic basket, so around 14h30 the porter collected us and drove us to a private little garden, where we could enjoy our picnic feast. Our picnic basket included plates of wraps, salads, chicken, meat and fish dishes as well as decadent desserts. It was so worth our money and we had enough food leftover which we had for dinner on our patio that night. We also had an ice bucket of soft drink and no-alcoholic beverages.

We spent the better part of the day enjoying the outside before it began to drizzle. We then finished up on our balcony, followed by a lovely afternoon siesta.

For sundowners, we went to the sundeck and enjoyed delicious mocktails. We had the Pina Colada, and a non alcoholic beer. We were able to enjoy the sunset and reflect on our wonderful stay.

The following morning, we checked out, went for breakfast. Unfortunately, the waitrons were still understaffed, but we managed to get a warm breakfast.

After that, we went on a game drive (approximately two and a half hours) which was the perfect end to a spectacular weekend.
Our guide is well-read on the farm’s vegetation, fauna and flora. We stopped for a light beverage and enjoyed the space with the farm’s wildlife.

The escape from the city, fresh air and pampering are what our souls needed.

Dr Mmamontsheng Dulcy Rakumakoe, creating safe affordable health care for the queer and extended community.

During these uncertain and anxious ridden times, it is great to see and acknowledge those who still live out their passions and truly do their bit for community and humanity at large. Dr Mmamontsheng Dulcy Rakumakoe is one such person. In 2019, I attended a seminar hosted by QWB+A (The Queer Womxn In Business + Allies). QWB+A is a forum and group who create experiences and opportunities for the queer womxn community to connect, collaborate and ignite action towards building thriving businesses and careers. Their goal is to build a supportive ecosystem of queer womxn entrepreneurs, investors and working professionals to help each other thrive. They have chapters, which are local meetups that take place in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg South Africa. 

Dr Mmamontsheng Dulcy Rakumakoespoke at the, 2019, Johannesburg chapter on her business venture and I have been following her work ever since.

This week the award-winning doctor posted on her social media pages that through her business, quadcare Medical Centres she would like to offer all these sites as vaccine distribution points for The Department of Health, free of charge. This is an amazing gesture as a way to help fight #COVID19 and help get the communities vaccinated. In the post, the doctor requested to be connected to government personnel who could assist. So who is this remarkable person? 

Who is Dr Mmamontsheng Dulcy Rakumakoe?

Know as an inspiring member of the LGBTQ community, Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe grew up in Hammanskraal, South Africa. As a child, Dr Mmamontsheng Dulcy Rakumakoe would accompany her grandmother to visit the local doctor each month to collect her medication. It was in those long queues that she decided that she wanted to become a doctor to give ordinary South Africans, just like her grandmother, quality and accessible healthcare in a dignified setting. Dr Mmamontsheng Dulcy Rakumakoe started out in private practice in Vryburg, it was here that she observed the impact of workers returning from the mines and how this brought illnesses into the local community. This sparked her interest in occupational health and cemented the idea that people need access to healthcare near where they work and near where they live.This is how quadcare was born in 2019. The venture is a partnership with Dr Dulcy and a consortium of investors.In 2020, Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe won the prestigious 2020 Santam Woman of the Future award and 2020 Feathers Award for ‘Role Model of the Year’, which she dedicated her win to “all women, Cis, Trans, Heterosexual and LBTI.The quadcare dream comes to life:quadcare’s mission:To ensure that people have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

quadcare Primary Healthcare Clinics

Each of their expanding network of Primary Healthcare clinics provides their patients with comprehensive, affordable medical services (including dispensing basic medication) in a hygienic and welcoming environment. At present they operate an expanding network of primary healthcare clinics across Gauteng as well as a walk-in occupational health centre in Turffontein, Johannesburg.

Their services include

• Consultation with medication
• Ultrasound
• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Vaccinations
• HIV Testing
• Free Circumcision
• Weight Loss
• Treatment of Chronic illnesses

quadcare occupational health

Their affordable, comprehensive suite of Occupational Health services helps businesses ensure their workforce is fit, healthy and productive and that they comply with all health and safety regulations in the workplace.One can visit their state-of-the-art facility in Turffontein, Johannesburg or book an on-site medical conducted at your workplace to minimise disruption.Services include:

• Entry and exit medicals
• Periodic medicals
• Mine medicals
• Construction medicals 
• Executive medicals
• Cross border medicals
• Driver and PDP medicals
• Food handlers medicals

Where to find them?

quadcare Primary Healthcare Clinics

• quadcare Alexandra

Alexsan Kopano Resource Centre, Corner 12th Avenue & Selborne Street, Alexandra

• quadcare Braamfontein

80 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

• quadcare Carltonville

18 Ada Street, Carletonville

• quadcare Edenvale

Marialena Court, 57 Van Riebeek Avenue (corner 4th Street), Edenvale

• quadcare Evaton (opening November 2020)

Shop 225A – Evaton Mall, Corner Golden Highway & Easton Road, Evaton

• quadcare Fox Street

128 Fox Street (Corner Von Brandis Street), Marshalltown, Johannesburg

• quadcare Meadowlands

1959 Meadowlands Zone 9 (opposite the old bus terminus), Soweto

• quadcare Turffontein

The Edge Shopping Centre, 69 Turf Club Street, Turffontein

• quadcare University of Johannesburg

UJ Student Centre APK Campus, 5 Kingsway Avenue, Rossmore, JohannesburgThey will be opening soon at The Protea Glen Mall and in the Balfour Park Mall

quadcare Occupational Health

• 010 14 19 505
• healthyworker@quadcare.co.za

Walk-in Centre Location

quadcare Turffontein

The Edge Shopping Centre, 69 Turf Club Street, Turffontein

-End

Letsatsi Healing space

Letsatsi Healing space offers tailored programmes, to humans seeking healing, support, validation, growth and next-level performance in their work. The programmes are suitable for victims/survivors of GBV, humans who suffer from PTSD, humans who need life coaching,  focusing on relationships and career or a mixture of all the above. The programmes are led by Rosie Motene. 

At present Letsatsi Healing space, offers the following programmes.

1. The Validation programme 

(Depending on availability and resources, these sessions can be offered on a pro bono basis)

Your pain is valid.

Speaking out against GBV is never easy, and as history has dictated, many victims/survivors choose not to speak out for their reasons. This program is for those who have lived with the hidden trauma and wish to find a space to speak out, have somebody listen and believe them and try and find mechanisms to help them cope. 

The sessions offer a safe and confidential space. The sessions include guidance and counselling. The applicant will receive breathing and relaxation methods and mechanisms to cope through the trauma and PTSD. Included in this package are dietary suggestions as well as lifestyle changes to cope with the added trauma. 

Additional services in this programme include:

• Assistance with opening a protection order.
• Finding a lawyer (pro bono or paid)
• Finding a safe house or shelter
• Referral to institutions that can provide more intensive psychiatric advice and support. 

2. The Discovery programme

The Discovery programme offers intensive, high-impact coaching interventions. This programme is for steering the client towards higher value in the workplace, assist is start-up businesses or if the person has faced a period in their life when they require a complete change in career or work. The aim is to discover your hidden talents and skills to succeed in their work and career.

The programme’s duration is 12 to 16 weeks, with a check-in every quarter, thereafter for up to a year.

The programme is suitable for professionals, filmmakers or entertainment proprietors seeking a comprehensive programme to address their most pressing issues. 

3.Feel the sun again.

Designed for humans who have suffered any form of GBV or PTSD and need to change careers or work environments. In many cases after trauma, individuals struggle to cope in their work environments, especially if the trauma took place at work. The fact is, everybody reacts differently to trauma. The entertainment industry does not have concrete approaches to sexual harassment and abuse at work. South African labour laws do not support independent contractors or freelancers. In previous cases, victims/survivors have to work with their perpetrators.  Some businesses choose to overlook or not report sexual harassment and misconduct. 

The program takes place in approximately five stages.

1. Creates a safe space for the client to identify their trauma and then find ways of healing.
2. Find mechanisms that help one cope with the pain.
3. Is the work environment, a safe space to continue the healing or is it triggering? The client will identify the triggers and then seek to find realistic short term and long term solutions. 
4. The stage will be dependent if the client wishes to find a new job or career or find new ways of working that fall in line with the healing methods.
5. This stage is optional, should the applicant wish to go the legal route in opening a case against their perpetrator. 

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the programmes are only amiable online via Zoom or Skype conference calls. 

Who is Rosie Motene?

Rosie Motene is a Queer Pan African Media proprietor, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts (Honours) from the University of the Witwatersrand. 

Rosie operates as a Queer feminist author, activist, speaker voice over artist and a Pan African entertainment manager. 

She founded the first Pan African talent agency, Waka Talent agency.

Her career has extended for over 25 years, an award-winning actor, TV and radio presenter, TV and film producer.

Rosie is an accredited international laughter and life coach. 

The official website is http://www.rosiemotene.biz

Waka Talent agency website is http://www.wakaagency.biz

Education:

WIts- University of the Witwatersrand	BADA – Bachelor of Dramatic Arts	1994 to 1998
POWA- People Opposing Women Abuse	Rosie completed the three month intensive training course to equip her on the following: Counselling Public awareness and training volunteer Activism Court preparation	2003
Multichoice	The Producer and director course	2006
Laughing Yoga	Rosie is an accredited laughing yoga coach	2011
NFVF- National film and video foundation	Producers course	2012
TriFocus academy	Life Coaching	2020
UN Women online course	I Know Gender Modules 1 to 9	2020
Dr. Karen E Wells- CTAA – Complementary Therapists Accredited Association	Professional Counselling Diploma for Sexual Abuse	2020
Dr. Karen E Wells- CTAA – Complementary Therapists Accredited Association	Full accredited professional PTSD counselling Diploma	2020
Don Kropp	Certificate for Providing Trauma informed care	2020

Rosie Motene is a registered trademark under the South African: Trademark Application for ROSIE MOTENE (word mark) + visual representation in class 14 as well as class 16 and 41, physical representation 

and her name.

Contact us

Whatsapp only: +27 81 216 3394

Email: letsatsihealing@gmail.com

Here are a few pointers, should you need to open a case at a South African police station.

Some pointers to remember at the police station.

1. They will question why you want to open the case. Stand firm in that you deserve justice.

2. They will ask why you took so long to report- that is not their concern. You have found the strength.

3. If it is in another province, they will tell you that the case should be opened in the province where the crime took place. The fact is, they can assist and then transfer the file to that province. 

4. They will try and act as mediators and want to call the perpetrators to reach an agreement, their jobs are not as counsellors and therefore have to open the case.

5. They will try and blame you for the crime- take their name and tell them they have no right 

6. The might laugh at you, try not to let their ignorance get to you.

7. If the alleged perpetrator has a public status, they will try and intimidate you by saying that you will never win- don’t let that get to you. 

8. Take a pen with you, as they might say they don’t have any stationary and cannot help you.

9. Write up your affidavit at home, so that all the facts are written and coherent. Thank you to The Wise Collective for this pointer. It helped me. On arrival, hand it over to the police and tell them to write it word for word. 

10. Check the affidavit thoroughly. Take your time.

11. Take a picture of the affidavit as well as the police officer and their badge. Note the date and time and get their contact details so if they don’t text the case number, you can call them.

12. If it’s a case of rape, do not bathe or wash. If the perpetrator touched anything, leave the evidence for the police. If you are going to the police station with actual evidence, use a rubber glove or cover your hand in plastics, so that your fingerprints are not left.

13. You deserve dignity and medical attention. No police have the right to tell you are lying or that you should go and sort it out with the perpetrator.

14. Your pain is valid.

For counselling, support or life coaching contact us letsatsihealing@gmail.com

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Thuthuzela Care Centres.

Gender-based violence has been a crisis in South Africa.
Unfortunately, it will take a tremendous amount of work to dismantle the patriarchal policies, ideologies and practices that enable rapists and abusers. Often our police stations do not assist with survivors in opening cases. The other option is to go to a registered Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC).

A TCC is a designated forensic and medical service available to rape survivors as an emergency service in the 72 hours immediately after a rape. They are at 54 hospitals across South Africa.

How do they work?
At the centre or unit, a counsellor will greet the rape victim and tell them about the services offered. The counsellor will then explain all the procedures that must be followed by doctors, nurses and police. They will give the person emotional support as well as offer the same to any family member or friend that has come along with the rape victim to the centre. The doctor will then ask the rape victim to tell them about what happened, perform a medical examination and collect samples of semen, blood and saliva from the rape victims’ clothes and body.

The nurse will then offer information, perform tests, and offer treatment for potential pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The rape victim will receive sanitary products, a bath or shower, some refreshments, and a change of underwear. A police detective will take a statement from the rape victim and open a case file. When all procedures are complete, the victim goes home. Transport is arranged either to their home or to a safe house or shelter. If they need additional services, follow-up and referrals are on offer.