Kedibone Sarele, a 24-year-old woman from Mokopane, Limpopo, recently opened up about her painful life journey on the Dolphin Podcast, leaving thousands of South Africans deeply moved. Her story is one of tragedy, resilience, and hope.
Kedibone’s early life was filled with comfort and happiness. She lived with her parents and siblings, enjoying a stable life in Gauteng. Her father was the family’s breadwinner, providing everything they needed. However, everything changed when he suddenly disappeared without a trace. Despite countless efforts, no one has been able to determine what happened to him to this day. His absence plunged the family into financial and emotional turmoil.
Forced by circumstances, Kedibone, her mother, and her siblings had to relocate from Gauteng to Limpopo, where they moved in with their maternal grandmother. Life took another devastating turn when her mother and a beloved uncle tragically died in a car accident while Kedibone was still in Grade 8. Losing her mother at such a young age left Kedibone vulnerable, and what followed was a harrowing chapter in her life.
Instead of receiving support and comfort, Kedibone and her siblings faced abuse and neglect at the hands of their own family. Her grandmother, uncle, his wife, and their children subjected her to both physical and emotional abuse. Kedibone recalls how her uncle and his wife would return from Gauteng with piles of dirty laundry, forcing her to wash everything while they and other relatives relaxed in the shade. Her grandmother, according to Kedibone, only showed affection toward family members who were financially stable.
Despite the toxic environment, Kedibone’s older brother stood up and tried to care for his siblings. However, the abuse continued, especially toward Kedibone, who was targeted regularly. She also revealed that the SASSA grants intended for their welfare were misused. Instead of being used to meet their basic needs, the grants were diverted by her grandmother to pay for burial society fees for her own children.
Throughout these hardships, Kedibone never received genuine love or emotional support from her maternal side. However, her resilience has shone through. She now hides her pain behind her smile and uses dancing as a form of expression. Despite her past, she has managed to rebuild her life.
Kedibone is currently a model and content creator with over 500,000 followers on social media. Her story of survival and strength has inspired many, prompting supporters to donate funds and help renovate her family home in Daveyton, Gauteng. Her journey from suffering to success serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Her courageous decision to share her story publicly has sparked conversations around child abuse, family neglect, and the misuse of social grants. It also reminds us of the importance of kindness and community support for those who have been failed by their own families.