25 year old-Zoleka Zekhethelo Madolo is the founder of Zoé Basikelele Kids Health Foundation and author of two novels both titled Bruised Dream and Killed by my Precious Rose Sharon who is from New Rest Lusikisiki.
She journeys us on her passion and inspiration that led her to achieve her milestones at such a young age. Zoé Basikelele Health Foundation opened its door in 2020 during the midst of the global pandemic.
The foundation relies on donations and sales from her novels which contribute to purchasing toys and goodies that are donated on Christmas Eve annually at the Pediatrician Ward at St Elizabeth Hospital.
Madolo said it evoked childhood memories, getting new toys on Christmas and eating goodies was always exciting as I looked forward to it. “Giving that to children who are hospitalized on Christmas day warms my heart seeing their beautiful smiles.” said Madolo
The books she wrote were inspired by her passion for storytelling and breaking societal stereotypes such as gender-based violence and depression from her community.
Madolo first released Bruised Dream on April 2018 which speaks of a woman who falls in the trap of depression after she encounters a failure to achieve one of the most crucial goal in her life. “I wrote Bruised Dream to encourage my readers to understand how an individual feels when they are undergoing depression. To educate society that mental health is not a taboo and that there are ways of dealing with it and instilling hope that no dream is impossible.” said Madolo
The second book titled Killed by my Precious Rose of Sharon is released last year November 20201 about a married couple, the husband experiences gender based violence from his wife. Learning that the two children from his wife are not his.
“I wrote this book to recreate a narrative that men do also experience gender based violence and should be listened to. To break the norm that is within our communities that perceive men as being immune to abuse “said Madolo.
Madolo is currently working on gathering research and wants to join the space of indigenous writing as her next book will be written in isiXhosa.
Donations have begun to pour from donors in preparations to make this year’s Christmas toys and goodies extra special. “I hope to reach more donors for the foundation as I want to grow and expand to be able to donate to a number of hospitals annually.’’ said Madolo
The foundation’s Facebook handle is Basikelele Kids Health Foundation
Individuals can contact her for donations and book purchases on 071 621 6381
