My name is Jama Ngcobo. I was born and raised in Inanda, a township in the city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. My childhood echoed the typical experience of a kid e’lokishini in the early 2000s—I was quiet, shy, and often found myself getting lost in my own imagination.
While I was reserved on the outside, my mind carried a vivid personality. I was fascinated by the stories I created, often secretly acting out the characters to bring them to life. At the time, these stories were just playful fantasies inspired by my daily experiences.
However, my imagination took an unpleasant detour during my secondary school years. Two years after graduating, my mental health spiralled into an absolute abyss. To survive this dark chapter, I began putting pen to paper. Journaling transformed into a vital lifeline, allowing me to capture everything my mind was processing—from the internal chaos to the familiar characters of the soap operas on TV.
This challenging season ultimately birthed my passion for purpose and impact, my role for this journal is to share my experiences and perspectives. Through my words, I hope to foster a meaningful community with those who resonate with the words.