By Mzukona Mantshontsho
AYANDA NGEMA is an award-winning author, speaker, and brand strategist. She is the author of They Raped Me, So Now What? A memoir exploring trauma, identity, healing, and finding one’s voice.
Through her writing and speaking, Ayanda Ngema helps people find language for experiences they often struggle to understand and explain. Her work encourages courage, self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful conversations about growth and healing.
What is at the centre of They Raped Me, So Now What? And when people ask you what you had in mind, what do you say?
At the centre of They Raped Me, So Now What? Is one question: What happens to the survivor afterwards? People often focus on the act, the court case, or whether justice was served. Those things matter, but my experience taught me that the real battle often begins after everyone else has moved on. The book explores the long-term impact of trauma, the aftermath people rarely talk about, and the journey of finding language for experiences that can be difficult to understand and explain.
How did your upbringing lead to your journey as a writer today?
Writing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I loved books, diaries, poems, and journal entries from a young age. I used to say that reading was like breathing in and writing was like breathing out. Writing gave me a voice, and today it allows me to help others find theirs.
What is your view in terms of success in entrepreneurship?
My view of success has changed over the years. For me, success is having the courage to keep building, learning, and starting again when things do not go according to plan. True success is measured not only by what you earn, but by the lives you impact and the person you become.
Tell us about your early life, education, and qualifications.
I was a curious and academically strong learner who loved reading and writing. I participated in debating, exchange programmes, and attended a SAICA leadership and mathematics camp. I studied at University of Johannesburg, later continued through UNISA, and completed certifications in Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
Self-awareness, continuous learning, and the courage to keep growing. I believe you cannot lead others effectively if you do not understand yourself first.
What can we expect from you going forward since you started writing this book?
People can expect more speaking, writing, and advocacy work focused on helping people better understand themselves and their experiences. My goal is to continue using my voice to inspire meaningful conversations and encourage other to find theirs.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women, to take that first step and start community projects or small businesses?
Start before you feel ready. Confidence often comes after you start, not before. Take the first step. Sometimes courage is simply taking the next step.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of small businesses?
Covid-19 taught us that no business is immune to change. The businesses that survive difficult times are often the ones willing to adapt, innovate, and build strong digital foundations.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
I hope people remember me as someone who gave them hope and courage to face another day.
How do you hope the book will directly contribute to learners?
I hope the book helps learners understand that their experiences matter and that they do not have to suffer in silence. If even one young person finishes the book with a better understanding of themselves and the courage to keep going, then the book has done what it was meant to do.
What have been your highs and lows of writing this book?
The book began as diary entries and journal reflections. The greatest challenge was confronting painful emotions, while the greatest reward was seeing the manuscript come to life and connect with others.
When you’re not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people follow you and order the book?
I enjoy spending time with people I love, reading, hiking, gym, cooking, learning, and creative projects.
Facebook: Ayanda Ngema |
TikTok: @Ayandangema_ |
Instagram: AuthorAyandaNgema |
Pre-orders: +27 69 562 9879.
