Pastor opens up about sexual abuse in new book
WeekendLife
When Doricah Mokoka decided to write her newly published book, No Longer 19, she hoped that putting out her own life would impact young people she encountered during her counselling sessions-being a pastor.
During the counselling sessions, Pastor Doricah Mokoka says she came across many young people, ladies particularly who bore wounds of sexual trauma and various couples who were not sure about marriage. She knew too well what they were going through-she too, at a younger age had experienced the harrowing trauma of sexual molestation, lived through life with abandonment issues, married at a young age and had various questions and doubts about her worth because of what had happened to her as a young girl.
“As a pastor I encounter a lot of heartbreaking stories, young girls who walk around with the burden of being sexually abused at a young age and young couples who are about to marry and have a lot of questions any young person would ask themselves about the future; and I wanted to put out my life as a way of inspiring someone or just strengthening their journey in life,” Mokoka told WeekendLife.
In No Longer 19 Mokoka bares her soul, revealing how at 8 years old, she had been repeatedly sexually abused. “By the age of eight, my little body had known different men and I could not even tell anyone,” she writes, further revealing how one of her abusers gave her “a few coins” and threatened to beat her up should she tell anyone about what had happened.
Further in her book, the mother of three tackles head on the issue of abandonment; about how her father leaving them turned her life upside down. In fact, she believes that is what exposed her to the sexual predators that later came into her mother’s house. Her abandonment issues, she says, led to her getting married as a teenager to an older man. She was only 19 and pregnant with her first child at the time and had suffered a bout of depression because of the unplanned pregnancy. Other than the depression, Mokoka also touches on her insecurities, her marriage, her salvation and that of her husband after 15 years of marriage and eventually losing him to death.
Through the book, the prophetess opens up about her life, almost holding nothing back from the reader. The insightful book also offers inspiration for young Christians who want to marry or have questions about marriage as well as dating advice. She says that she was able to get through the bad memories of her childhood because she realised she had to set herself free from it. “The Lord has helped me through it all, for anyone out there who has had any bad experience-you need to rise above what has happened to you lest you get trapped in that cycle of regret, asking yourself why and the insecurities,” she says.
Mokoka is working on another book due for release in early December call entitled “Dearly Beloved”- a daily inspiration for Christians. She is also working on another “Cookie Jar” which will be published soon. “Cookie Jar is not only about that cookie jar as you would imagine- the book derives from my life story and what I had hoped I knew at a younger age. Parents need to talk to their children about sex-they have to be the first to discuss sex with their children as a way of protecting them.” She believes that had she known about wrong and right, she would have not allowed the abuse to go on. “If our children know what is wrong and right, no one will come and tell them otherwise.”
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.