Cynthia Bernickow’s memoir gives a voice to survival and societal stigma

AUTHOR and former journalist Zubeida Jaffer recently sat down with Cynthia Bernickow for an intimate conversation on truth-telling, stigma and survival. The exchange, warm and deeply personal, offered the audience a profound glimpse into Bernickow’s spirit and strength.

- YAEESH COLLINS

“This book is not just about one womans life,’ Jaffer reflected. “It’s about every South African who has been made to feel invisible because of their illness. Cynthia has given voice to those who were never asked to speak”

The launch of A Dream Never Broken, Bernickow’s deeply moving memoir, took place at the Artscape Theatre Centre, where CEO Marlene Le Roux delivered a powerful keynote. Describing the book as “an essential read for young people,”

Le Roux emphasised its impact on readers of all ages.

“Tread the memoir in one sitting? she said. “You can't leave the book. It tells all our stories in one volume”

Le Roux praised Bernickow’s courage in confronting issues that are often left unspoken, including gender-based violence and the urgent need for open conversations about mental health.

“Cynthia is my heroine,’ Le Roux declared. “Her message is one of hope, strength and perseverance. This book helps us confront uncomfortable truths, not only as individuals but as a society.”

She added: “The things you've gone through ~ that hospitalisation should never have happened.” Her remarks challenged the audience to commit to a future where such trauma is no longer repeated. “This is more than a PhD. This is more than what professors can teach us. This is life. It is utterly full of sharing”