Speaking to IOL Vatiswa Ndara opened up about her new book I AM…BECAUSE OF YOU
“MY STORY is being told through how my fans feel,” says award-winning actress and now author Vatiswa Ndara, who released her first book recently titled I am Because of You, a compilation of messages from fans via platforms like Facebook.
She is famous for her roles on TV as Mamfundisi in Generations, an alcoholic mother on Home Affairs and now as Nomarussia on Mzansi Magic’s Igazi.
Ndara says her book comes at the perfect time in her career.
She has got through tough times and risen to where she is now with the help of her fans.
“So, back in the day when there was no social media, when all these things were happening in my life, I didn’t realise that people cared.
“When one has been through it all, you start to appreciate it when people come and say ‘we see you Vatiswa and appreciate your efforts’,” she says, adding that this is what motivated her to write the book.
Ndara took a break from the limelight after falling victim to sexual harassment, which resulted in her role as Mamfundisi being terminated, leaving her without work.
“You know when you go through all these challenges, it is easy to be defined by those moments,” says the former radio news reader.
But I realised that things don’t define you.
“Yes, that was a weak point where I wanted to give up on my life, but I had to snap out of it and that was also possible through the contribution from other people.”
The book has helped her reflect on her entire journey spanning two decades, which has made her more appreciative of her own work.
She says the book is not about exposing people, it’s purely about the love and support that she has in her corner.
“Maybe a point will come for a tell-all, but I don’t want to give people that have wronged me the impression that I think about them all the time.
“I am focusing on getting me right.
“So maybe, at some point, I will name and shame, but right now the names are not important to me,” she said
