Womyn's Writing
Personal Block
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The Survivor I am, the Person I Want to Become: My name is Busisiwe Sigasa. I was born on the December 23, 1981. I am 24 years old. I live with my family in White City Jabavu, Soweto. I completed my Matric in 1998. I then furthered my studies by completing a computer course and obtained a diploma in MS Office. I also had an opportunity to study a Ceramic Designing course through a learnership programme. After completion, I obtained a NQF 4 level Certificate. I am a woman who identifies as a lesbian because of my being physical, intimately and emotionally involved with a woman. I am also a rape survivor living with chronic diseases diabetes and epilepsy. I also recently discovered that I am HIV positive due to a rape incident. I write poetry, and can use my hands by being creative like drawing and doing artworks. I’ve learned many new skills from the Visual Literacy photography programme at FEW, and I would love to pursue photo-journalism as a career. I believe that besides my health status, I can pursue this profession, be successful, and make a decent living for me and my family. Being in the Visual Literacy class has influenced me to do more with my life than just complain. I can change my own situation if only I want to, and well, so far, I am proud of myself. I have learned how to conceptualise a visual research project, and to study my environment with the camera. During the photography classes we also had inspirational and motivational talks from guest speakers from different professions and organisations, and this also improved my skills to ask questions and follow up with people. These people really had an impact on my life, and the whole experience was therapeutic for me. I really want to further my studies and study photo-journalism. I went to a place called the Market Photo Workshop in Newtown, JHB, and I inquired about their photography courses. I feel this to be the first step to getting where I want to go, especially since I have already been introduced to photography by FEW. I would like to do their Foundation Photography course full time, and this course begins in August, 2006. However, it is a six week course and it costs R4000, which is quite unaffordable for me at the moment since I am unemployed. There are no part- time courses yet, and even the Bursary Application requires some money from the applicant. I am appealing to anyone to please allow me a chance to offer my hands in assisting in whatever jobs are available. I will then be able to earn the money needed to take the Foundation Photography course, carry my own camera around, and scout for better chances to further empower myself. I know this could be a chance to make something out of myself. After my rape ordeal, I closed a certain chapter in my life and had told myself that I will never write another piece of poetry or ever draw again. But because in the Visual Literacy class we were always required to write assignments, I am now writing more than ever. I am now beginning to accept and live my life, no matter what the challenges. I hope and plead that my request will be taken into consideration, with due respect. If you would like to contact me, or to get any further information, my personal contact numbers can be obtained from FEW at (011) 339 1867. |