Healing through storiesSouth African storyteller Bongiswa Kotta captivates hearts at Vizag Junior Literature Fest-2024

Storytelling is a profound art that transcends boundaries, cultures, and emotions, offering healing not just to listeners but also to narrators. “It infuses a sense of gratitude, growth, and joy, connecting people and inspiring change,” says Bongiswa Kotta Ramushwana, an acclaimed storyteller from South Africa.
Bongiswa is back in Visakhapatnam to weave her magic at the two-day ‘Vizag Junior Literature Fest-2024’, organised by the Lit Lantern Culture and Literature Welfare Society at Hawa Mahal. With her animated narratives and evocative props, she captivates audiences, sharing tales that delve into hidden pain and bottled-up emotions. “I often compare my struggles to a ripe pimple, about to burst, symbolising the weight of unresolved pain and the healing that comes when we finally let go,” she explains in an interview with The Pioneer.
Hailing from the Xhosa tribe in South Africa, Bongiswa’s childhood was marked by trauma, including sexual assaults and a turbulent family life. Yet, she finds strength in these experiences. “Growing up amid such challenges eventually shaped me into a better person. They taught me resilience and gratitude, enabling me to appreciate the journey and the growth,” she adds.
Bongiswa’s connection to India, and Visakhapatnam in particular, runs deep. “I love the cuisine here. I even make chicken and paneer curries I first relished in Visakhapatnam back home in Pretoria,” she says with a warm smile.
Having observed storytelling traditions globally, Bongiswa is particularly drawn to India’s commitment to preserving the art form. “Indian culture shares similarities with my own, rooted in tradition. It feels like home every time I visit. If storytelling becomes a formal part of school curricula in India, it could bring about a significant change in education,” she notes.
In South Africa, where many young individuals silently battle emotional struggles, Bongiswa uses her platform to encourage self-expression. “Some tragedies like suicide stem from silence. Through storytelling, I help others uncover solutions to their pain.”
Her efforts extend to the corporate world, where her storytelling workshops are hailed for reducing stress and enhancing productivity. “In today’s competitive world, stress and anxiety are rampant. My stories aim to provide solace and foster growth,” Bongiswa shares.
Beyond her workshops and storytelling ventures, Bongiswa is working on several creative projects. She is eagerly awaiting the launch of three children’s books currently in the illustration phase. As the Vizag Junior Literature Fest continues to enthral audiences, Bongiswa’s heartfelt stories remind us of the power of storytelling—a tool to heal, inspire, and connect.
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