Kwezi - The remarkable story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo by Redi Tlhabi

"Khwezi: The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo" is a powerful non-fiction book by South African journalist Redi Tlhabi. It explores the life of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo, who became publicly known as "Khwezi" during the 2005 rape trial of then Deputy President Jacob Zumaa trial which ended in his acquittal. Khwezi's identity was initially protected to shield her from rampant public abuse and intense scrutiny.

The book traces Kuzwayo's childhood in exile, growing up in African National Congress (ANC) camps during apartheid, where she suffered repeated sexual abuse by men tasked with her protection.

It details the events leading up to, during, and after the infamous rape trial. Kuzwayos life was upended by the caseshe was vilified by Zumas supporters and faced harsh media treatment, forcing her into exile.

The book describes Kuzwayos return to South Africa years later and her collaboration with Tlhabi before her death in 2016. It shows how society and the legal system repeatedly failed her and, by extension, other South African women who face sexual violence.

Tlhabi uses Kuzwayos story as a lens to discuss pervasive sexual abuse, the silencing of victims, and entrenched patriarchy in South African society, particularly within liberation movement.

The book generated substantial public interest and quickly sold out its first print run. It rekindled national conversation about sexual violence and the systemic injustice faced by survivors in South Africa.

Tlhabi gives agency back to Kuzwayo, portraying her not merely as a victim but as a complex, vibrant woman whose story personifies the struggles of many abused and marginalized women in South Africa.

The narrative exposes the inadequacies of the justice system, the role of media in shaping public perceptions, and the challenge of confronting deeply-rooted social prejudices.

 Despite repeated betrayals, Kuzwayos life is remembered as one marked by integrity, resilience, and a hunger for life.

"Khwezi" is regarded as essential reading for understanding contemporary South African society, the legacy of apartheid, and the personal cost of speaking truth to power.