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Witnessing: From the Rwandan tragedy to healing in South Africa
As a boy in Rwanda, Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase survived war atrocities, but he had to leave home if he wanted to stay safe. Pie-Pacifique recounts his childhood and his experiences of the genocide. He prepares to flee and ends up in South Africa. He works as a car guard in Durban, dreaming of university. Despite obstacles, he enrols at university and receives the Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship.
In this rewarding journey of self-discovery, we witness Pie-Pacifique reach for his dreams.
In this rewarding journey of self-discovery, we witness Pie-Pacifique reach for his dreams.
271 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase is the Founder and Director of PEM Afurika, a business consulting firm specialising in business development and sales. Having served as the Head of the Business School of the Foundation for Professional Development, a private institution of higher learning based in Pretoria, Pie-Pacifique is currently an Associate Consultant with the Inspirational Development Group (IDG) South Africa, and a Consulting Partner with Whitten and Roy Partnership (WRP), both companies with global reach, where he focuses on people-related business solutions. For much of the year, Pie-Pacifique travels the lengths and breadth of the planet inspiring, coaching and training leaders and followers to create the best results they desire, through team work and purposeful partnerships.
Pie-Pacifique’s journey includes growing up in Rwanda where he and his family narrowly survived the war. In 2001, he embarked on a challenging journey which would lead him to South Africa, beginning his life as a refugee car guard in Durban. In 2002, against all odds, he enrolled at the then University of Natal, where he was awarded the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship upon completion of his degree in Physics. He started his professional career in the banking sector as a Business and Systems Analyst in 2008.
In 2011, he was appointed Account Executive at Avocado Vision, a company specialising in large scale community and workplace training programs, including Enterprise Development. He initiated and managed projects that touched thousands of people in marginalised communities in South Africa, empowering hundreds of community based micro-enterprises. Since 2013, through his consulting work with IDG and WRP, he delivered Business Leadership Development programs and worked on Business Development projects in numerous countries in all four corners of Africa, as well as in South East Asia.
Besides his Business and Leadership Development activities, Pie-Pacifique is currently a Board Member of Jesuit Refugee Service-Southern Africa, as well as an international Keynote and Motivational Speaker. He lives in Pretoria with his wife.
Pie-Pacifique’s journey includes growing up in Rwanda where he and his family narrowly survived the war. In 2001, he embarked on a challenging journey which would lead him to South Africa, beginning his life as a refugee car guard in Durban. In 2002, against all odds, he enrolled at the then University of Natal, where he was awarded the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship upon completion of his degree in Physics. He started his professional career in the banking sector as a Business and Systems Analyst in 2008.
In 2011, he was appointed Account Executive at Avocado Vision, a company specialising in large scale community and workplace training programs, including Enterprise Development. He initiated and managed projects that touched thousands of people in marginalised communities in South Africa, empowering hundreds of community based micro-enterprises. Since 2013, through his consulting work with IDG and WRP, he delivered Business Leadership Development programs and worked on Business Development projects in numerous countries in all four corners of Africa, as well as in South East Asia.
Besides his Business and Leadership Development activities, Pie-Pacifique is currently a Board Member of Jesuit Refugee Service-Southern Africa, as well as an international Keynote and Motivational Speaker. He lives in Pretoria with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 31, 2022
When I started reading this book, I was expecting it to be like other literature books where you just read because of being inquisitive, and maybe not even finish it. What I didn't expect, was to experience a roller-coaster of emotions while reading it. I found myself feeling sad at one point, crying at another, fearful, vengeful, forgiving, happy and joyous all within the same book.
It's one of the books I hold very dear, not only because of how well written it is, but because I know the author personally. When I met him, I hadn't a slightest of ideas what he had experienced in his life. This book shed light on his experiences and, upon finishing reading, I felt like I had witnessed everything he went through along with him.
It truly lives up to its title. It takes you through the journey with imagery that is at times too gruesome for a human to comprehend, let alone witness in person. I couldn't stop reading until I was finished. I had to know what happened next. I felt like his small and big victories were my victories also.
It's been a long time since I found a book that got me glued to it like this one. ❤️
It's one of the books I hold very dear, not only because of how well written it is, but because I know the author personally. When I met him, I hadn't a slightest of ideas what he had experienced in his life. This book shed light on his experiences and, upon finishing reading, I felt like I had witnessed everything he went through along with him.
It truly lives up to its title. It takes you through the journey with imagery that is at times too gruesome for a human to comprehend, let alone witness in person. I couldn't stop reading until I was finished. I had to know what happened next. I felt like his small and big victories were my victories also.
It's been a long time since I found a book that got me glued to it like this one. ❤️
March 11, 2024
Back in 2007ish, I had the incredible honor of meeting Pie-Pacifique in Durban, and have continued to learn from his witness, his healing, his faith, and his intellect. This book only underscores with a heavy marker what a truly amazing human he is - his is a difficult story, to be sure, but one well worth reading.
February 21, 2025
What an amazing read!!! This book is a beacon of hope that leaves you feeling empowered and ready to face any challenge. The author's raw honesty and insightful stories weave together to create a powerful tapestry of resilience, reminding you that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to be found. A must-read for anyone seeking a boost of inspiration to pursue their dreams.
April 17, 2024
I was drawn to the book by friendship with the author. It is a powerful story of tragedy, pain, risk, courage and, ultimately, success. Read it to weep for the people who suffer the consequences of our human violence and to celebrate the strength to thrive.
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September 21, 2022Harrowing
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews