Page 21 - MyFaith Dec 2016(1)
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ADVERTORIAL
Heartlines, the Centre for Values Promotion, has launched its latest
values-inspired campaign, What’s Your Story? Aimed at tackling some of
South Africa’s deepest divides, the campaign aims to build understand-
ing, trust and reconciliation through the process of personal storytelling.
“We live in a world of stereotypes - until we get to know each other’s NCVT’s musical director, Nondumiso Msibi is working with young people in
stories, we will treat each other according to the opinions and assump- Diepsloot and Cosmo City. She has been on her own journey of healing through song.
tions that we make. The only way to break this pattern is to get to know
each other’s stories; only then we will see the human being behind Msibi grew up with music in the home. Her father, Makhosonke, was a
the stereotype, this is the way forward for our country,” says Heartlines choir leader himself. He instilled a love for the musical arts within his
founder and CEO, Dr Garth Japhet. daughter and trained her to lead choirs. Unfortunately, this came to an
abrupt end in 2013 when he was shot and killed at home by intruders.
Through the sharing of personal stories on multi-media platforms Msibi kept singing, though, finding healing in musical expression after
What’s Your Story? hopes to address the suspicion, fear, prejudice and her loss. In 2015, NCVT recruited her as a full-time music director and
racism that plague our interactions with one another. “Stories are all she has been providing healing to others through song ever since.
around us, they are what move us, challenge us, anger us, make us feel
alive and inspire us,” says Japhet. “There is a great interest in our musical group and we have so much fun
What’s Your Story? creates a huge opportunity for churches and Christian during training and performances,” says Msibi. “The choir members are
organisations in South Africa to drive reconciliation in communities. eager to gain experience and learn about the music. We would love to
Heartlines has created a series of resources for churches, church youth record our own CD at some point, especially now that the Diepsloot
groups, high schools, campuses and business to help drive a storytelling group is growing so well. Funds are just a bit on the short side; it would
revolution. also be great to find a sponsor for uniforms.”
Mndaweni says that she looks forward to seeing the choirs grow over
Heartlines is encouraged from the huge support it is already receiv- the months and years to come. “Music makes the soul come alive in so
ing from churches and Christian leadership throughout SA. A number many different ways,” states Mndaweni. “We believe that this will not be
of cities are already beginning to strategise about creating a month of just another singing group, but one that enriches those involved, devel-
storytelling in their cities that will involve churches, schools, campuses ops them emotionally and socially and expands their career options,” she
and business. concludes.
For more information about NCVT or to make a donation, contact:
What’s Your Story? can be accessed at www.whatsyourstory.online – +27 11 705 1960 or visit http://www.ncvt.co.za/. Join NCVT’s Facebook
visitors are able to watch, read, listen and act as a part of the campaign. page at https://www.facebook.com/The-National-Children-Violence-
Everybody living in South Africa is invited to write and submit their own Trust-NCVT-197670257245796/ or tweet them @NCVT_ZA.
personal stories to the platform.
Members of the NCVT youth choir. From left to right: Thokozani Gama, Junior Phesiya, Thapelo Montsho, Nondumiso Msibi, Tshepo Pelembe and Orapeleng Takalase.
