Lelethu Zondani
Last week, the Boardwalk Expo Centre was transformed into a dazzling celebration of style, strength, and sisterhood as the Voice of Courage Fashion Show took centre stage. My eyes were starving for beauty and I got it all and more.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Michelle Brown, the event wasn’t just about the clothes (though the runway was nothing short of spectacular). It was a heartfelt celebration of women, from young to old, wrapped in an urgent message about the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa.
The evening’s cause, raising funds for Yokhuselo Haven, a refuge for women and children affected by domestic violence, gave the glamour real weight. Hearing the heartbreaking testimonies of survivors from Yokhuselo made the issue painfully real. These weren’t distant statistics; these were women in our own community, standing in courage right before us.
Fashion lovers were spoiled with collections from established local designers, complemented by flawless hair and makeup artistry. Between runway segments, the stage lit up with the voices of Fagrie Isaacs and Jade Engelbrecht, and high-energy dance performances kept the audience buzzing. There wasn’t a single dull moment.
Yokhuselo Haven, operating since 1988, faces a monthly running cost of around R35,000 to provide shelter, meals, trauma counselling, legal support, medical care, and empowerment programmes. Antoinette Hamman spoke about the haven’s holistic approach, from skills development to legal rights education and even self-defence training, essential tools for rebuilding lives.
As I watched the models strut, the singers pour their hearts into every note, and the survivors share their truth, I felt a deep pride in being a woman. We play so many roles, and we carry them with such grace. The Voice of Courage reminded me, and everyone in that room, that women can never truly be broken. We uplift each other, always.
Leave a Reply