Life sometimes hands out the worst of circumstances to us, and in that moment, we are faced with a tough choice: either fight to survive, or roll over and be defeated. Not many of us would have the fortitude to choose the fight. But some of our ZAlebs are made of steel, and somehow managed to emerge from difficult circumstances stronger than ever.
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Here is a list of some ZAlebs who overcame adversity.
Zodwa Wabantu
Zodwa Wabantu is no doubt one of Mzansi’s most controversial celebrities: you either love her deeply or you don’t. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, you have to admit that she has bossed up immensely, as she had a rough childhood.
She grew up in a poor family, and her mom died when she was only 11. Her dad had never been in the picture, and she was left to be raised by her grandmother. She left home when she was 16, and had to fend for herself by dancing in night clubs and working at a debt collection company. She eventually got her big break, but she had to go through a lot to get there.
Read also: Ricardo Putting Zodwa’s Life In Danger?
Israel Matseke Zulu
Israel Matseke Zulu has been through some stuff throughout his life, but by far the most shocking was that he lost his leg just a few weeks back. In fact, fans are still processing the shock after pictures of his amputated leg went viral, so we can only imagine how he must be handling it himself.
Even so, he has still kept his sunny personality. He is continuing to live his life with joy, even though he is still smack in the middle of his adversity. He has also had to dispel death rumours multiple times which must be frustrating and scary too, but he has remained a graceful king through it all.
Read more: Picture Of Israel Matseke-Zulu’s Amputated Leg Goes Viral
Zoleka Mandela
Zoleka Mandela has been through pretty much everything horrible you can think of. Her childhood alone is enough to fill a book, which she did, with her autobiography. The author has spoken about being abused severely when she was a child, by both men and women.
She was also once addicted to drugs, but she managed to turn her life around. She also had a child who died when young, and that has been another significant trauma in her life.
For someone who has been through as much as she has, we don’t understand how she has such a bright personality. She is such sunshine, and we hope she can teach us to look on the bright side as she does.
Read more: Zoleka Reflects On Her Daughter’s Passing
Jub Jub
There are few environments as difficult to cope with as jail is, so we have to honour Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye for surviving on the inside. The rapper, when he was younger, was a heavy drug user. He once got high with a friend of his and went racing near a school, causing an accident in which some kids died.
He spent a significant chunk of his life in prison. But he served his time and eventually got out, completely turning his life around. To the best of our knowledge, he has kept himself clean from drugs, and even got a job hosting a reality show on Moja Love. His story is such an inspiration.
Read also: Jub Jub Issues An Apology
Boity Thulo
Mzansi’s fave, Boity Thulo had a pretty rough year in 2021. She had an altercation with Bujy Bikwa in which the radio personality is said to have physically abused her. Images emerged of her face having been beaten up, bleeding and bruised, leaving Mzansi in shock.
The case moved to court, and so far, we have not been given updates on how it is proceeding. In the meantime, though, Boity has gone full beast mode on her entrepreneurship. She has found love in the arms of Anton Jefwa, and the two of them seem to be getting pretty serious. Her face has bounced back too, and she looks as gorgeous as ever. But she is Boity, so that is to be expected.
Read also: Boity Hospitalised After Bujy Assaults Her
Prince Kaybee
Anybody who has been active on Mzansi social media for more than a year can probably remember 2021 when Prince Kaybee got the shock of his life. He was cheating on his then girlfriend Zola. His side chick, motivated by temporary insanity, anger or revenge (we don’t know which), leaked his d*ck pic online.
The incident not only turned him into the laughing stock of the country, but also hurt his career. He later spoke about how brands cancelled their deals with him because his public image was ruined.
That was less than a year ago, but he is already bouncing back nicely. He has sworn to focus on his music this year, and has already released a new song, promising at least 11 more by the end of the year, and we love to see it.
Read also: Kaybee’s Latest Tweet Lands Him In Hot Soup
We have no choice but to declare these celebrities our inspiration. We can all stand to learn a thing or two from them, and we sincerely hope that the worst is all behind them.
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