Bianca Van der Schyff

The power of the heritage we leave

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September has been a month of reflection — on legacy, on the languages that carry our voices, and on the many cultures that shape who we are. These themes remind us that our heritage is not only about history, but also about how we live today and what we pass forward. Sometimes, poverty trauma shows… Continue Reading The power of the heritage we leave

From survival to heritage : redefining our culture beyond scarcity

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Culture and Heritage Culture is both inheritance and creation. It is the fabric of values, traditions, and shared identity passed from one generation to the next. Yet when scarcity shapes culture, it can carry both deep wounds and deep wisdom. In African history, colonialism fractured cultural systems and replaced them with structures of exclusion. Violence… Continue Reading From survival to heritage : redefining our culture beyond scarcity

Finding belonging through language : breaking barriers and building bridges

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Language and Communication Language is more than words; it is belonging. Without it, self-expression becomes a struggle and identity feels incomplete. For centuries, many South Africans were denied their full voice. Until July 2023, South African Sign Language (SASL) was not officially recognised as one of the country’s languages. That delay sent a silent but… Continue Reading Finding belonging through language : breaking barriers and building bridges

From scarcity to strength : rethinking the legacy we’re leaving

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Legacy and Scarcity Legacy is not just wealth or inheritance. It is the imprint we leave behind through the choices we make, the beliefs we live by, and the opportunities we either pass on or withhold. When scarcity exists—whether in resources, education, or dignity—it reshapes that imprint. In South Africa, for example, the education system… Continue Reading From scarcity to strength : rethinking the legacy we’re leaving

The cycle of lack to belonging

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Week 4: From Scarcity to Strength – Building on the Lessons We began this month with the guide dog, a symbol of trust, loyalty, and guidance. Just like a guide dog helps its handler navigate obstacles, we learned that we, too, can rely on guidance — whether through faith, inner wisdom, or supportive communities —… Continue Reading The cycle of lack to belonging

You were born into belonging

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WEEK 3: DIGNITY, WORTH & EMERGENCE Theme: Healing self-worth and rediscovering what it means to thrive “What if you stopped proving your worth — and simply believed it?” This week, we reflect on what it means to hold dignity in a world shaped by trauma, poverty, and generations of survival. So often, we tie our… Continue Reading You were born into belonging

Hear the Woman’s roar

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BEYOND SCARCITY PROJECT WEEK 1: When a Woman’s Heart Roars Like a Lion Theme: Poverty Trauma & the Courage to Lead “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela WHAT IS POVERTY TRAUMA? Poverty trauma is what happens to a person — and often an… Continue Reading Hear the Woman’s roar

Woman’s Month : Beyond Scarcity Project

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BEYOND SCARCITY: INTRODUCING A NEW CONVERSATION “It is not the lack of love, but the lack of trust that makes relationships fragile.” – African Proverb How does poverty trauma affect our most intimate relationships? This Women’s Month, DBSA invites you into a new conversation. One we’ve carried in silence for generations — but never named.… Continue Reading Woman’s Month : Beyond Scarcity Project

Women’s Voices RISE

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🟠 Week 5: Women’s Voices Rise – Preparing for August Riddle: What starts quietly, grows stronger when shared, and has the power to change families, communities, and nations? Answer: Women’s voices. As July draws to a close, we look forward to August — South Africa’s Women’s Month. This week’s theme, Women’s Voices Rise, is about… Continue Reading Women’s Voices RISE