ALISON’S JOURNEY FROM APARTHEID ACTIVIST TO GLOBAL VOICE OF HEALING from Apartheid

By Lonwabo Mtyeku | Community Newsroom & Gauteng Media News

Johannesburg – At the age of 60, when many are looking to slow down, Alison chose to rise. She stepped into the spotlight not for fame, but for purpose. Known today as a “Soul Speaker,” Alison uses her voice as a powerful tool for healing, hope, and reconciliation—both in South Africa and across the world.

What sets Alison apart is her deep vulnerability and her profound gift for storytelling. Her voice doesn’t just tell stories—it moves souls. With grace and courage, she opens hearts to the possibility of transformation, especially in a time where our nation and the world yearn for truth, belonging, and unity.

Alison’s story begins in the charged atmosphere of Apartheid South Africa. As a young woman, she stepped into activism, driven by a fierce desire for justice. For nearly twenty years, she fought against the oppressive system, working alongside some of the country’s most respected leaders—among them, the now President Cyril Ramaphosa. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep calling: to live a life of contribution and impact.

After democracy dawned, Alison shifted her focus from politics to business. Starting from a humble shed on an open field, she built an enterprise that would grow to employ 150 people, earn national awards, and gain media attention from television, radio, and entrepreneurial platforms. But behind this professional success was a woman waging private battles—anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and the weight of untold stories.

It took six decades for Alison to find the courage to finally tell her truth. In her powerful book, Belonging, she unpacks her journey through the anti-Apartheid movement, her rise as a serial entrepreneur, and her personal transformation through deep inner healing. With honesty and insight, she reveals how our wounds can become our wisdom, and how every experience—painful or triumphant—can lead us back to our true selves.

Today, Alison is not only an award-winning author and speaker but also a global champion of Identity Intelligence, Belonging, and Conscious Leadership. Through her workshops, talks, and coaching, she continues to bridge social, economic, and cultural divides, inspiring individuals and leaders to embrace authenticity, empathy, and purpose.

Her message is clear: It is never too late to become who you were truly meant to be.

In a time when our world is navigating the complexities of division and disconnection, Alison’s voice is a timely reminder of the power of truth, the necessity of healing, and the beauty of belonging.