Stories
These stories here were imagined, written and produced by residents of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Cali and Buenaventura. Below, you can read, watch and listen to each one.
Stories from South Africa
- In Gloria's Hands / En manos de Gloria
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City: Johannesburg
Written by: Cherise and Gloria
Format: Short film
Synopsis: Gloria, a young woman from Bisho, Eastern Cape, dreams of studying agriculture. Unable to afford university fees, she starts producing and selling sunflower oil from her garden. Initially unsuccessful due to high prices, her fortunes change when Sipho, a former miner with a persistent cough, buys her oil. The oil unexpectedly helps Sipho's cough, leading to widespread demand. Gloria earns enough to study agriculture in Johannesburg, where she excels in cultivating plants in challenging conditions. The story ends with Gloria realizing that her true magic lies in her own hands, not just in her garden.
Watch (YouTube)[Subtitles in English, Spanish and Xhosa]
- My Journey / Mi viaje
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City: Cape Town
Written by: Joyce and Natalie
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Born in 1958, Nonsikileko is forced to move from Parow to Jakkalsvlei due to racial segregation laws. Nonsikileko marries Johnny in the 1990s, and they build their first home, a wood and iron shack, with their own hands. They start the Gugulethu Backyarders Campaign to advocate for housing, but Nonsikileko faces multiple housing crises, including being forced out of a church house and living with another family in a one-room dwelling. Despite hardships, Nonsikileko perseveres in her struggle.
- Not Yet Uhuru / Aún no Uhuru
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City: Johannesburg
Written by: Lerato and Doctor
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: This story chronicles the struggle of community leaders fighting for basic services in the informal settlement of Slovo Park. Led by Mohau, the Slovo Park Community Development Forum faces violent threats, internal conflicts, and government resistance. Despite winning a court case against the government, implementation of services remains elusive. Mohau's unexpected death adds to the movement's challenges. However, his fellow activists persevere, eventually securing electricity for the community. The story highlights the complexities of grassroots activism and the personal sacrifices of community leaders.
[Subtitles available in English and Spanish]
- Broken Trust / Confianza rota
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City: Johannesburg
Written by: Andiswa and Rose
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: Rose and Suzan meet at a community stokvel (savings group) in Slovo Park, Johannesburg, and become close friends. Rose helps Suzan find accommodation nearby. When it's Rose's turn to receive money from the stokvel, Suzan fails to contribute, claiming financial difficulties, leading to a heated argument during the stokvel meeting. Desperate, Suzan borrows money from a mashonisa (loan shark) to pay Rose. But when Suzan rudely throws the money at Rose, their friendship is irreparably damaged. The story ends with their friendship broken due to lost trust, highlighting the potential pitfalls of mixing friendships with financial arrangements in tight-knit communities.
[Subtitles in English and Spanish]
- Imvelo ye Vuka uZenzele / Judy’s Story / La historia de Judy
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City: Johannesburg
Written by: Nomveliso and Nolwazi
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Judy, a 35-year-old orphan raised in poverty, becomes a community leader in Mamelodi. The area struggles with water shortages, and residents rely on the ineffective Mpilo Movement for help. After failed attempts to get assistance from local officials, the community becomes angry and destructive. Judy, using her political experience and diplomacy, calms the situation and proposes creating their own organization called "Vuka Uzenzele" (Get Up and Do It Yourself). The community rallies behind Judy's leadership and the new movement, believing it will help them secure water access. The story ends with hope for positive change through community-led action.
- A Hard Journey / Uhambo Olunzima / Un duro viaje
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City: Johannesburg
Written by: Thoko and Ganile
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Dora is a 32-year-old woman from Mpumalanga. She leaves her parents and two young children behind to seek work in Pretoria, and becomes a live-in domestic worker for Mrs. Smith, caring for her two children and doing household chores. Dora is treated well and saves some money, but tragedy strikes when she receives news of her mother's death and, unable to afford the trip home, misses the funeral. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Dora temporarily loses her way, engaging in destructive behavior. But with the support of her friends, Dora perseveres, recovers and builds a beautiful home back in her hometown. The story highlights the challenges faced by domestic workers, family separation, and resilience in the face of hardship.
- Growing Pains Talk Show / Serie de televisión: Dolores de crecimiento
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City: Cape Town
Written by: Feziwe and Onodwa
Format: Short film
Synopsis: This episode of The Growing Pains Talk Show features estranged siblings Nomancube and Lazola, from Cape Town. Nomancube, now 35, confronts Lazola for abandoning her at 16 with his two-month-old child, breaking promises to return and support them. Lazola cites life difficulties, including losing a leg, as reasons for his absence. Their mother expresses heartbreak over their strained relationship, while Lazola apologizes and promises to do better. The host encourages counseling and reconciliation, and the show ends with hope for the siblings to rebuild their relationship, emphasizing the importance of healing and family bonds.
[Subtitles in English and Spanish]
- Camagu / Camagu
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City: Cape Town
Written by: Esethu, Wendy and Sesulu
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: Camagu loses his friend Aluyolo in a sudden shooting incident. Overwhelmed by grief, Camagu withdraws from school and turns to alcohol, encouraged by his friend Tar Fish. His neighbor Mneija expresses concern about his drinking. One night, Camagu has a vision of Aluyolo, who urges him to forgive himself and make the best of his life. A year later, Camagu speaks at his former high school, sharing his story of overcoming pain and pressure. The principal commends him for his progress and upcoming computer science degree. The story illustrates the destructive power of grief and substance abuse, but also the potential for personal growth and recovery.
- My Daughter, My Life / Mi hija, mi vida
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City: Cape Town
Written by: Bongiwe, Makanatsa and Noncedo
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Bra Ngobese, a 40-year-old widowed single father, lives with his 18-year-old daughter Lilitha. Lilitha, a promising student, struggles with exam stress and is persuaded by friends to try drugs. She tragically dies from an overdose. Devastated, Bra Ngobese attempts to report the local drug dealer, Eddie, to the police. However, corruption within the police force thwarts his efforts. Frustrated and seeking justice, Bra Ngobese confronts Eddie with a borrowed gun. The confrontation ends tragically when Eddie's henchmen shoot and kill Bra Ngobese, leaving both father and daughter victims of drug-related violence.
- Anna the Rock / Ana la Roca
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City: Cape Town
Written by: Anna and Margaret
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Anna's story is one of triumph over adversity, showcasing her transformation into a strong woman and inspiring others through her experiences. After her son's suicide, she discovers she has Stage 3 breast cancer. Through treatment and support groups, Anna finds strength and purpose. She experiences further health complications, including temporary paralysis, but perseveres with the help of family, physiotherapy, and faith. Despite numerous setbacks, Anna emerges as a motivational speaker, educating people about cancer. She achieves academic success, graduating from the University of Cape Town and Bible School.
Stories from Colombia
- Paseo de los chalecos / The parade of vests
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City: Cali
Written by: Rodrigo Ortíz Ortíz and Alejandrina Falquez Sinisterra
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: In this story, the community of Aguablanca seeks help for young people affected by violence, but a project led by a government official is cancelled after just three months of implementation (as commonly happens with state projects). Frustrated by the lack of solutions, residents decide to take control of their own destiny, working together to transform their neighbourhood without waiting for external help.
- Un caleño resuelve / A Cali man finds a solution
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City: Cali
Written by: Oscar Emilio Carabali Juanillo and Mayerly González Alomia
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: Claudia and Felipe, two young people in love, face family problems, economic difficulties and the surprise of an unexpected pregnancy. Felipe overcomes adversity by securing work in a kitchen, showing his perseverance and commitment to his family.
- La Despedida de Papa / Goodbye to Papa
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City: Cali
Written by: Jessica Ocoro Cortés and Lina María Silva Ortíz
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: A family faces hardship after losing their harvest due to drought caused by illegal mining. Ernesto decides to temporarily migrate to the United States to work, leaving his wife and daughter behind. Can Ernesto earn enough money to support his family and be reunited with them?
- Una nueva oportunidad / A new opportunity
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City: Cali
Written by: Beatriz Mosquera Castro and Maria Jessica Guerrero Sinisterra
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Ariel, a young man from Buenaventura forced to leave his home because of threats, faces challenges in Cali while maintaining hope and the teachings of his family. With perseverance, he overcomes adversity and motivates others to value their roots and pursue their dreams.
- Teresa y su anhelado viaje a Brasil / Teresa’s journey to Brasil
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City: Buenaventura
Written by: José Victor Riascos, Victoria Rodriguez Angulo and Jasmine Mosquera
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: Teresa, a 40-year-old woman from Buenaventura, dreams of attending Rio de Janeiro's carnival. She buys raffle tickets for a trip to Brazil, praying to win. However, her friend María wins instead and decides to go with their other friend Ana. Disappointed but determined, Teresa sells various goods to raise funds. She eventually collects enough money and flies to Brazil, arriving just in time for the carnival. There, she joyfully reunites with Ana and María, who are surprised and delighted to see her. Teresa joins a dance troupe and celebrates, finally fulfilling her lifelong dream. The story emphasizes the power of persistence and the joy of achieving one's goals.
>>LINKS TO BE ADDED<<
- La naturaleza es la mejor maestra / Nature is the best teacher
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City: Buenaventura
Written by: Fernando Cuero, Regina Valencia, Tatiana Angulo
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: José takes his son Memo to the forest to teach him woodcutting. While there, Memo becomes entranced by the sounds of nature - the chopping of wood, birdsong, and a snake's movement. These natural rhythms captivate him, causing him to lose focus on the task at hand. Back home, Memo's mother María explains that their ancestors created instruments like bamboo, chonta, and animal skin drums to replicate these natural sounds. The family crafts these instruments and begins playing, attracting neighbors who join in dancing. The story emphasizes how nature inspires traditional music, bringing joy and unity to the community.
>>LINKS TO BE ADDED<<
- Se Busca A Camilo / Searching for Camilo
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City: Buenaventura
Written by: Lian Mena, Elsy Delgado and Teofila Mondragón
Format: Podcast
Synopsis: Martha, a mother of two, sends her son Camilo to school one morning. When Camilo doesn't return, Martha's worry turns to desperation. She discovers he never arrived at school and reports his disappearance to authorities. The community rallies around Martha, organizing searches and protests. Martha shares her story on the radio, revealing many other mothers have similar experiences with children taken by mountain gangs. As Martha continues her search, she's forced to flee her home due to threats from these gangs. The story ends with Martha leaving by boat, realizing she may never see Camilo again, highlighting the devastating impact of forced disappearances on families and communities.
>>LINKS TO BE ADDED<<
- El mundo de José Manuel y su familia / The world of José Manuel and his family
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City: Buenaventura
Written by: Isabel Quintero, Mireya Granja and Cilenia Parra
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: José Manuel Valencia, a 53-year-old man, lives with his wife Lucía and their three children in a San José neighborhood. Their peaceful life is shattered when armed groups invade their community. The family flees to a "House of Opportunities" in the city, which initially seems like a safe haven. However, it turns out to be a trap, and the family is separated and exploited. José Manuel escapes and, with the help of a magical talking chicken, rescues his family. They return to their original home, which miraculously remains intact. The story highlights the resilience of families in the face of violence and displacement, while also touching on themes of community, hope, and the importance of home.
- Como olas en el mar / Like waves in the ocean
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City: Buenaventura
Written by: Bolivia Aramburo, Daniela Giraldo and Linda Kasandra Paz
Format: Storybook
Synopsis: Javier lives in a beautiful coastal village with his parents and older brother Coby. Their peaceful life is shattered when armed groups invade their community, and Javier's father and brother are killed. Javier and his mother flee by canoe, eventually reaching the city of Buenaventura. Struggling with poverty and grief, they eventually find shelter with a kind woman named Maria. Javier's mother works hard to provide for them. The story highlights the impact of armed conflict on families, forced displacement, and the resilience of survivors.
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