Rofhiwa Masuwa, a resident of Makushu-Musholombi village in Limpopo, is someone who believes that the key to realising one’s dreams in life is hard work, dedication and self-esteem, and that helping and caring for other people adds joy to one’s life.
Rofhiwa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science from the University of Venda, and is a registered nurse working in a primary healthcare facility. But it was not easy for her to finish her studies. She realised along the way that she would not be able to subsist on the bursary funds alone.
“I had problems with money as I was doing my nursing degree. Thankfully to my father who made it easy for me by doing everything in his power to make sure that the little money that he had, he gave it to me.”
She knows that many people leave academia due to lack of money, but she is quick to advise fellow youths that it is always a good idea to seek odd jobs on weekends to supplement their funds.
“I used to walk about 7km to and from school every day. I never had challenges with my schoolwork lapsing, because I knew what I wanted in life. I always made sure I was on top of my class all the time.”
While Rofhiwa is a kind, caring and loving person, she had not been that strong or brave in the first few days at her job. Quickly, though, she became more comfortable and earned the respect of her seniors.
“Dealing with sick people is never easy. As a nurse, you see new life and you see people die every day. Being a nurse needs someone with a big heart. So being in the field made me brave.”
“Being a youth in South Africa is bad at this moment. I say so because there is a high rate of unemployment among youths. As youths, we need to come up with new ways or innovative ideas to start businesses which will create employment for fellow youths.”
Meanwhile, she feels that there are many opportunities to grow oneself in the nursing field and she is glad about that.
“But there are insufficient resources in the Department of Health. It’s bad to turn patients away because you are unable to help.”
In 2016, Rofhiwa’s world was shattered when her sister was raped.
“While I was in the library studying for my exams, I received a call from my mother that my younger sister had been abducted and raped on her way back from school. I was hurt and disappointed.”
The incident broke Rofhiwa’s heart. Worse still was the fact that police failed to solve the case even though there was enough evidence.
“The case went cold, even though the culprit was known. This and all other cases of the abuse of women and children that are being reported daily evoked my emotions and I decided to write a book, She Cries.”
She Cries deals with what women should do to prevent being abused, especially in their relationships. It also talks about the cultural principles and misinterpreted Christian teachings that instil the wrong morals in men and exacerbate gender-based violence.
“After the ill treatment by the justice system when my younger sister was raped, I also felt the need to write my piece about the injustice in the corrupt justice system of South Africa. There’s more to this book and I think that the onus is on every human to read this story.”
She Cries is available directly from the author at R250. Rofhiwa Masuwa is available on Facebook and can be reached at 079 262 2074 or masuwarofhiwa@gmail.com.
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