In the Kingdom of Eswatini, one in three girls experiences some form of sexual violence before reaching the age of 18. Tragically, many of them never see justice. The reasons are complex and deeply rooted, but one of the most heartbreaking realities is that many of these girls have no advocate to follow up on their cases or push authorities to act.
Because of courageous people like our 2015 alumna, Tjengisile (TJ) Banda, sexually violated girls now have people who relentlessly stand in the gap and fight for the justice they deserve.
Upon completing her Bachelor of Theology majoring in Counselling, TJ began working as a teacher at a local school in Eswatini. Yet her passion for restoring the emotionally wounded and counselling the brokenhearted never faded. Instead, it burned brighter.
That passion led her to a position at Hosea’s Heart, an organisation committed to empowering girls in Eswatini to break free from sexual trauma and step into a future filled with hope. The organisation serves their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through a holistic and restorative process that seeks not only healing, but true transformation.
TJ started as both a counsellor and teacher, working closely with the girls and listening to their painful stories of violation and betrayal. “It was hard to learn that those girls had no hope for justice because cases would be closed without anyone even searching for the required evidence,” she recalled.
Meanwhile, many perpetrators continued roaming the streets as if nothing had happened. It was painfully clear that without intervention, more girls would be trapped in the same devastating cycle.
When a vacancy for a Case Manager position opened, TJ stepped forward, expressed her deep passion, and was entrusted with the responsibility. “It looked easy from the outside, but it became real when I started working on the cases. I needed strength that only God would give,” she shared.
Her daily responsibilities now range from receiving cases from social workers, carefully reviewing files to identify what needs intervention, conducting thorough background checks, and following up with law enforcement to ensure proper the girls’ voices are heard. She also attends court proceedings, walking alongside the girls through intimidating legal processes.
I am deeply grateful for the solid academic foundation I received at African Christian College.
Tjengisile Banda, 2015 Graduate.
“In some cases, I am called to the stand to provide testimony so that justice may be served,” she recalled. “That alone can be very scary because you do not want to be the one who lets the child down”. Yet with unwavering courage and a fierce desire to protect the vulnerable, she remains firm and resolute.
Sometimes being a transformational leader in the community means standing boldly against those who dehumanize others through violation and abuse. That is exactly what TJ embodies in her daily work. Through her dedication, diligence, and courageous advocacy, she continues to press forward, case by case.
“I am deeply grateful for the solid academic foundation I received at African Christian College, and for the charge to always advocate and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” she concluded.
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