‘I feel as if I have been holding onto myself and holding my breath; as if I have had a bomb strapped around my body and have had to watch my every step and move – just in case it exploded. Slowly, I’m gaining the confidence to breathe deeply and exhale longer. Slowly, I’m reclaiming the freedom to move my body, to dance as I sing.’ with the topical issue of trauma and mental health, Nompumelelo’s inspirational story resonates deeply. We all battle with personal demons – low self-worth, anxiety and addiction to others’ approval. Nompumelelo Runji lays hers bare as she tells of the effects of living through a relationship characterised by emotional neglect, silent treatment and unfaithfulness. We all battle with personal demons – low self-worth, anxiety and addiction to others’ approval. Nompumelelo Runji lays hers bare as she tells of the effects of living through a relationship characterised by emotional neglect, silent treatment and unfaithfulness.
