A black woman's journey through divorce.

From Ashes 2 Beauty

Reader's Testimonials

From Ashes to Beauty is not just a riveting story, it offers insight on how women enter and get trapped in the vicious cycle of abusive relationships, even leading to marriage. Coupled with the author's own experience, this book also gives the reader a step-by-step guide on how to exit an abusive marriage and how to start over. Below are some of the book testimonials.

Zibu Masotobe

Author: The Personal Finance Revolution

Having read From Ashes to Beauty, I can't help but wish I had received this book as a wedding gift. This is a book for all women in the instruction of marriage and those who hope to enter it. As soon as I started reading the book, I went on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Thuba discusses the many aspects of a marriage in conservative cultures and how it defines and restricts the woman’s capacity to enjoy life. It’s a sad story about abuse and its effects on relationships, but it’s also a story about the universe’s capacity to deliver miracles when we most need them. Even as Thuba writes of the not-so-good times, there is the overriding sense of gratitude because it’s an account of a woman who made it out and she is glorious in how she draws on experience to make sure that more women walk out of an abusive relationship alive. It’s about love, faithfulness, commitment and a woman’s power and ability to rebuild. Well done, Thuba, on the amazing book, what a treat for the reader!

This is a book for all women in the instruction of marriage and those who hope to enter it

Mbali KaShongwe Gcabashe

Author: Intimate Thoughts of a Clever Black

Thuba is a lady that will cause a revolution through pen and paper. The truth in the book is what most people are not ready to deal with, but will be forced to deal with once they come across this book. Men will have to self-reflect, and as women, we will finally have to face and destroy the abnormalities we’ve been taught to normalise. In a world of numb people, who’ve been locked in pain for so long that they stopped feeling, this book will wake the feelings that have been buried deep under and will force people to feel again, knowing that it’s okay to feel the pain, because that allows us to embrace joy when it comes to our path again. Congratulations, Strong Black Woman! I’m amazed by how you managed to dig down so deep and still remain above water!

Men will have to self-reflect, and as women, we will finally have to face and destroy the abnormalities we’ve been taught to normalise.

Makhumuzi Mthethwa

From Ashes to Beauty Support Group Contributor …

This is an eye opening and riveting story that clearly illuminates how cultural norms, that were created to protect and cater for black women, have been twisted by society. Msweli's account and attention to detail is not only informative, it also sheds light on the atrocities suffered by most women at the hands of men who are supposed to be loving, protecting and leading them. From the book, one can tell how strong Msweli has had to have been for her to rise up and fight for her own liberation, even though too much time had passed and lapsed for one to have endured so much. As a father to both a daughter and son, this book has challenged me on a personal level to examine my own behaviour as a man, especially a black Zulu man. It has also forced me to pay attention to the gruesome realities of relationships and to walk the path of liberating women around me to live in freedom and comfort. It is time for us men to stand up and say, “Abuse is un-cultural!”

As a father to both a daughter and son, this book has challenged me on a personal level to examine my own behaviour as a man, especially a black Zulu man.

Nicole Brewer

Co-founder – I LUV 2 GLOBE TROT

Thubelihle Msweli’s manuscript is a gripping tale of strength and survival which needed to be told. As someone who has worked for a short period of time at a Gender Justice Institute in South Africa, I know all too well that her story is not one that is particularly easy for a South African woman to share. Nonetheless, Msweli shares an all-too common tale of abuse with an outcome one can only hope more women are able to achieve. By sharing her story, Msweli will hopefully inspire more women to have the courage to leave a husband who is doing more harm than good to them. In this raw manuscript, she is opening up a much-needed dialogue that needs to occur across the continent of Africa. She beautifully shares the intimate details of what it is like for not only many Zulu women but women across the globe who sacrifice themselves and their wellbeing for too long in order to protect their family and family’s names. I encourage any woman that is struggling to put herself first and walk away from a marriage to read this compelling book in order to be inspired to take the leap and move on to their next chapter in life.

I encourage any woman that is struggling to put herself first and walk away from a marriage to read this compelling book in order to be inspired to take the leap and move on to their next chapter in life.