Miraculous Moments -

Reflecting on May2024 and approach June 2024 with more intentionality

Approaching this like a mom. Both my kids live on our property and are largely independent, so we can go days without touching base. But this week is different—it's submissions and exams week. One of them has to dig deep and give their all, delivering their best performance. The other is working on a submission that explores generational wealth and entrepreneurship. (Everything they both do depends on how this week plays out). Like me working on the next steps is all about how use our time and efforts todays.

Sometimes, it's crucial to focus on family and offer support. I plan to write a blog post later today reflecting on our May 2024. Despite receiving three rejection letters, I'm thankful. These rejections were for projects we finally had the courage to apply for, and all three were global opportunities. I'm grateful we're becoming bolder and stepping out of our comfort zone.

May was also kinder to us on the front. We secured some excellent accounts and are entering June with some work lined up. Catching up with cash flow is challenging and requires constant effort. I'm grateful that two of our interns working on the podcast and visuals found the jobs they were seeking.

My lesson here is to keep the team engaged with new activations. June 2024 is about entrepreneurship and building wealth while ensuring we attract the right opportunities. I hope your May 2024 was productive. It saddens me to know that people I recommended for work haven't been paid for three months. However, I'm looking at the results of our elections and focusing on my responsibility to help fix South Africa moving forward.
Hope your June 2024 is blessed with abundance and good health and much wealth promised in between.
Reflecting on the fall of the there were so many signs over the last few years holding a nation to the worse suffering. The inability to create , crime and a never ending corrupt leadership who refused make service delivery or nation building a priority. As we move into a new season like everyone in our country we pray for tomorrow to be better than today.
Miraculous Moments -

Like we voted together. So proudly SA as we await the official results as a family with our . again allows our country to lead and pioneer. May Nation building and economic transformation with social justice highest in our way forward to a democracy that we all deserve as a nation.

13 May 2020 to 13 May 2024 - Finding My Voice Again

Four years ago, on May 13, 2020, after six and a half hours, I awoke at Donald Gordon Hospital to life-altering news: the removal of my life-threatening cancer also meant bidding farewell to my voice box. Thus began my journey of adaptation, resilience, and finding a new voice through

12 May 2024 it’s exactly four years today since my blog went up. Thanks you Isabel Tee and Taynita Harilal who helped me in the most traumatic period of my life. I’m grateful to be alive and that I can celebrate tomorrow.
Today though belongs to my dad. His name was and 59 years ago today on Mother’s Day he took his last breath on earth. Growing up without my dad has never seem significantly important to me like this anniversary. Maybe it’s the number 50z
As you guys may know so much of my life is about building legacy and generational wealth.
Because today is about my dad I I wanted to share with you guys a post I shared on my linked in. If you evey visit the Botanical Gardens in Emmerentia and get to sit on the bench we were able to donate as part of my dad’s footprint of his legacy. May you always find happiness, may your time on the bench bring you much joy and may abundance and good health will your life.

Celebrating : Building Legacies from Family Lessons (In Memory of My Dad)
Today marks a poignant anniversary. It's been 50 years since my father passed away (May 12, 1974). This day also holds a powerful significance for me personally. It's the launch day of my Facebook blog, , and the anniversary of my life-saving cancer surgery (May 13, 2020).
Growing Up and :
I was raised by my incredible mother, who faced immense challenges. A young widow with a limited education (Standard 3), she navigated poverty and societal limitations. We lived in Germiston and Benoni, witnessing the stark realities of apartheid South Africa. My mother's story embodies immense strength and resourcefulness. She donned her sari, secured a sales job, opened our home to boarders, and even started a home-based samosa business – all while raising a family. Her career culminated in a 30-year stint at Stuttafords, where she received an underwhelming pension.
Honoring My Father's Legacy and Shaping the African Narrative:
My father's absence deeply impacted me. However, I learned of his defiance against apartheid and his commitment to living inclusively. This spirit of resistance, along with the radical teachings of the Reformed Confession Church, fuelled my own activist path.
Learned:
These experiences have shaped my core leadership values:
: We can create lasting legacies that inspire future generations.
: By sharing stories like mine, I believe if we open to list we can foster a culture of giving back. Imagine if we invested in planting trees instead of extravagant funerals?
: My father's story teaches us to confront adversity and fight for a better future so we can become active citizens
Celebrating at the : Today, we celebrate not just my father's life but this we also celebrate 20 years of JT Comms. In erecting a commemorative bench at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. My hope is that anyone who sits on it experiences joy, love, and abundance.
The : South Africa faces many challenges. Yet, by sharing our stories, we can inspire each other and build a more just and equitable future.
day
What are some ways you're building your own legacy and contributing to a positive African narrative? Share your thoughts in the comments below

9th May 2024 today is exactly four years to the date an time of my diagnosis. I went in to have a Botox shot Donald Gordon Hospital. It was COVID level 5 and the entire world had shut down. My procedure was supposed to be routine and small.
When I got to the hospital Dr Ismail said V like he loved to call me. Since you have time until 5 when we start the procedure go for another CT Scan. If you don’t know this. This is one of the most expensive scans and since I was admitted for one day he said plse go they waiting for you.
Boy or boy his face at 5pm when I was about to have my jab for my procedure was loaded with shock, fear and pain for me. He was so distraught that at that second I knew everything else moving forward was going to change my life. That my diagnosis was so life threatening makes me sad to remember that moment. As I move forward to my 4th anniversary on 13 May 2024 I have so much gratitude. I love how so many of you connect with me here, pray for me and show me so much kindness in all seasons. As miraculous moments go. I find myself back in a doctors room to check out if I have flu or bronchitis and I’m so reflective of my journey this far. Guys I get to be alive and create a legacy project for my dad. He passed away 50 years ago on Mothers Day on 12 May 1974z and look at me in 2024 a whole 50 years later. I get to be alive xx
Anyway I got to go
is always about days such as today

29 April 2024 - soon it will be exactly four years since my vocal cords and cancer removal.

At 03h20, a time when most are deep in slumber, I find myself wide awake, fueled by the inspiration to utilise technology for the meticulous documentation and optimal utilisaation of our JT Comms African Media Resource Centre. This journey of creating compelling African narrative has taken on a deeply personal significance for me.

The month of May 2024 is looming, packed to the brim with three Arts and Culture festivals. Additionally, there's a monumental election story our agency is collaborating on with another company. We're also deeply engrossed in crafting a communication strategy for a Global Arts agency. Amidst these professional endeavors, I'm embarking on a rigorous 14-week Global program for Tech Founders, where missing even a single week could mean exclusion. The pressure is palpable, yet amidst it all, I'm striving to meticulously document a personal project, ensuring its accuracy.

Furthermore, on the 13th of May 2024, it will mark exactly four years since my operation, a significant milestone for which I've secured my annual appointment with Dr. Ismail. Alongside, I must also arrange an appointment with my speech pathologist, a task that demands finding pockets of time within my packed schedule.

Speaking of time management, in my headspace I've finalized the date for my my (yet to be written book) launch, prompting me to strategise backwards to make the most efficient use of my time. Additionally, my blog commemorates its fourth anniversary on the 12th of May 2024, coinciding with Mother's Day. Interestingly, this day also serves as a tribute to my father, who passed away fifty years ago on a Mother's Day. In his memory, we're hosting a celebration of thanksgiving, albeit with a scant attendance of those who personally knew him. Nonetheless, I'm determined to leverage my team's assistance to meticulously document my father's story—a narrative shrouded in mystery due to our scant knowledge and lack of photographs. I also finally learnt how to set up my own community group on Whats app to extract and create a measurable footprint of efficient communications to be tappend into a digital era xx (its easier I suppose when humans respond and give you an indication that they see you, hear you and can take the time to be direct xx But that's for another story.

Leading to the planning of tryimg to create the 50-year celebration with so many limitations of gaining accurate data , I've compiled a list of ten questions I yearn to have answered—questions ranging from his birthplace to the specifics of his medical condition and educational background. This endeavor is deeply intertwined with my Moments Blog, initially established to chronicle my cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey through total Laryngectomy.

Anyway before I go cause I'm now tired again and want to pass out.

I reckon part of creating the narrative in how we share compelling African Stories is to ask the question/s.
I may actually put these questions on the whats app group of confirmed guests.
Of you were me and you had no idea where to get these questions answered where would you start

Where was my father born, and what year?
What was my father's full name, and how is it spelled correctly? (Is it Ganeshan, Ganes, or Ganesh?)
What was the exact nature of my father's job title or profession?
Did my father have any significant medical conditions, and if so, what were they called?
Where did my father receive his education, and up to what level did he progress?
What were some of my father's passions or hobbies?
Can you share any memorable anecdotes or stories about my father?
Did my father have any favorite quotes, sayings, or pieces of advice?
What were some of the challenges my father faced in his life, and how did he overcome them?
Can you describe some of my dads personality or character traits? As an example how old was he got married, If he worked in his family owned business what skill/s if at all did he have?

Tjo guys if you got to the end of this post share your solutions xx
The reality thought - does anyone give a damn also. I know I do.
BUT my yawns are catching up
Take care and as always thank you for your prayers and good wishes

14 April 2024
Yesterday was exactly 3 years and 11 months since my cancer and voice box removal. I can’t believe how I used every month post my op as an opportunity to update, reflect and celebrate each month.
I have been wanting to do a medical update for a while BUT since my visit to Dr Ismail is an annual visit these days I’m looking forward to the next feedback. I have been seeking help widely and my international cancer survival networks (all of whom have had their voice boxes removed) have been trying to help me get through the change in seasons. The ones who made life changing decisions have permanently moved to the coast and more humid climates. The others like me rely on nebulising several times a day, wearing ’s and using water pelts, steaming more often and of course having their humidifiers on 24/7 like I am now back to relying on. Last year we spent tens of thousands of Rands (like way over a quarter million to install solar) cause of our loadshedding in SA. I cannot imagine how I would have survived without what some may consider a luxury but what is clearly a life saver for me. I also can’t imagine how hard it must be for those who are not in a position to have a solar solution. I am also looking to see if there is solution for me to live in Durban a few weeks during winter this year. I am hoping to find someone in my network where we could trade exchange or work out a payment solution that allows me to live at the coast for Jane/July. If this is you please reach out
My medical GP is wonderful and her team is now perfecting how to help me medically get better quicker when the weather patterns bog me down.
Anyway I’m super grateful we’ve have done shifts on the work front. Last week proved to be a productive week. We landed a few accounts. (Baby steps) and I’m so grateful that our hard work is seeing the light shine brighter. Our new team of graduates also are significantly stepping up and for this I remain grateful. is a lifeline those of us who can build capacity to help must step up. People without paying jobs struggle incessantly harder impacting their mental health, their value to society and degrading their ear I guess capacity to try help support themselves and contribute towards sustaining their families.
Anyway I’ve over stayed my time on my blog. BUT I wanted to share that while we started creating our birthday celebration events starting with our podcasts. We now finally gonna have cake. Our intention is to create 20 events where we can share . it looks we may actually have four or five events in May starting with meeting most of our team in person. With hybrid working models and virtual working our reality. I’m excited we will start with this team. We opened our African Media Centre and looking forward to the power of possibilities and possibly creating an event where you guys on this blog can join us and come experience our
We super optimistic for the future and look forward to connecting.
I’m so excited we started our . If you are an entrepreneur and want to come on the show please reach out. We may have a spot for you or we always open to creating a seat at the table.
Have a blessed day guys and may the rest of April bring you much joy, peace and happiness.



Why this pic # # # I reckon 20 years in biz does deserve a round of applause as we move to our legacy years. My prayer is that many doors will open and that we grow and bring in dozens of new takent so that we can job create.

10 April 2024

I have been ill in a horrible concerning way this last few days. Meditates and I did a podcast together and I told her I’m literally fighting for my life on tje tatters of entreprneurshio.
You know when you work flat out 24/7 and just need to catch your breadth.
This email came in on Monday and your would think I would take the time brag and not lose the moment. BUT I literally found the moment now to share.
Hope you guys are well and it’s always so awesome to be validated for the work we do.
Have a blessed Eid to those of you celebrating.
Thank you as always for your prayers and wishing you guys many blessings

2nd April 2024 I hope everyone has had a fabulous Easter break.

From our side our agency I founded JT Communication Solutions turned 20 years old yesterday. To celebrate we hosting a number of events including re-launching our and and also re-introducing our .
We would love to hear from you and even host you on our platforms.
Plse like our pages, subscribe to our platforms and share xx it’s the only way we will be able to grow our communities.
Thank you for helping out and let me know if you can hear my artificial voice

Episode 1 is proudly sponsored by JTComms. Taynita Harilal interviews Vanessa Perumal and talks about business, entrepreneurship and family. Please like and subscribe to our channel for more ECAfrica ...

As a cancer survivor having had this total Laryngectomy that saved my life is also so hard to get through the next few months. The dryer the air around me the harder it is to breath and beat a system that allows me to live better. The one way to do this is to clean the air around me. I usually isolate in my bedroom much later toward winter BUT gosh I don’t know what the heck is going on with these extremely dry weather patterns. I wish I was in a better financial position to buy or rent a place in Durban by the sea from Mid April to end August year on year. Gosh or move into a hotel or guest house with room service. Can you imagine how cool that will be. Anyway my post and why I came on to my wall is about a lad who’s 34 years old in the USA( I think).She has two children under 8 and her diagnosis like mine is stage 4A which is death or remove your vocal cords. She sounds so scared and like those of us who went before her. She ends her post with plse I don’t want to die my kids are so young. On days such as today I’m grateful that I started Miraculous Moments - you just never know who may need to have a diary of surviving cancer without your voice.
Keeping this young lady in my prayers. BUT like I tell everyone who asks about my journey. When you so close to death bravery will find you.
I also find myself thinking of Princess and reading all the hate stories making her sound so terrible. Honestly being mean to Megan and Harry is not on the top of her property list. Maybe once her chemo is over and she’s clear. BUT for now I guess like all cancer diagnosed patients especially in the early days. All you want is to be better and pray that world peace and everyone living in harmony becomes a reality.
Anyway when you in my position getting though the evenings is hardest.
I hope as we turn 20’years we get so much work that I can work through the night and make getting to the morning easier xx
survival journey
Soon it’s gonna be four year

28 March 2024
: Finding Light in the Darkness
Wow, what a whirlwind! I didn't intend to write a whole post tonight, but miracles happen, and here I am.
Tonight is our Tenebrae service at church, and I'm hoping my son, , can join me. For those who aren't familiar, Tenebrae is a beautiful and somber service during Holy Week where candles are progressively extinguished, symbolizing the darkness leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It's a time for reflection and contemplation.
Why am I sharing this on my Cancer Recovery Blog? Honestly, things haven't been easy lately. My new team of interns started on March 1st, and juggling everything, especially the project, has been a challenge. Time, especially as I approach a new decade, feels more precious than ever.
On top of that, the usual end-of-month struggles haven't gone anywhere. But amidst all this, there's a bright light: JTComms is celebrating its 20th anniversary! (You can check out some of our work at www.jtcomms.co.za)
These past 40 days have been a whirlwind of reflection. We're a small business ( ) fighting to survive, and it's been a time of immense learning and growth.
Coming here to the blog feels optimistic. Steve Jobs said it best: "everything is possible if you envision how." I'm excited to create amazing events for our 20th anniversary, a celebration of the brand that's sustained my family, staff, and countless others for two decades.
As a cancer survivor, I'm especially grateful for finding my voice. Through challenges, we develop resilience and learn to rewrite our narratives.
Now, it's off to church. I'm thankful for Jesus' love and his grace in welcoming a sinner like me. Wishing everyone a blessed Easter weekend. May we all strive for world peace, especially for the people in Palestine and Israel.
Sorry if this post is a bit messy. As a media and comms strategist by day, my brain works a little differently. Sometimes, I just gotta think out loud!

JT Communication Solutions A 21st-century media agency proudly rooted in Africa

Testing my FB to see if this page works

21st March 2024
It’s 4 years since we closed our African Media Resource. Centre and I am super grateful to have the Centre reopened.
Through my cancer diagnosis and recovery I know how important it is to share knowledge and information. This is a space designed to share our stories Plus it’s a great space for you to come on to share your journey.
One of the immediate business decisions we had to make (everyone should) of creating generational wealth which must be part of our business plans.. We working on a succession plan model and looking at how we stay relevant, diversify and find new income streams while were balancing doing life in a family owned business - more by necessity than will (cause if you live in South Africa) you would also know the struggle to find formal employment is a hard one.
Anyway it’s Human Rights Day and if you are an entrepreneur or have ideas bursting to be shared this could be your platform.
Plse like, join, subscribe to our spaces and connect on
This hashtag was literally an idea in the olden days before Covid-19 to connect communities with like minded ideas to use entrepreneurship to build SA forward. I’m sharing on my blog and you going like why?
Cause this platform and pipeline is so intrinsically part of my DNA. One thing I know for sure when you have a dreaded disease or in my case such a rare cancer and so life threatening. Without a financial management plan in place and access to the journey becomes hardest.
Have a blasseddat guys

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12 March 2024 10pm in a Cape Town

I can’t believe in about 2 hours it’s exactly 3 years and ten months since my vocal cords were removed with my life threathening cancer.
This is post I shared on my profile today and felt compelled to share here.
I feel like after all the hustle new seasons are upon those of us who will take the steps.
There is so much happening all at once and I’m praying for God to allow me to lead with wisdom and discernment and follow where I must.
The next 48 hours is about shifting mountains and I’m excited to see Gods hand lead the way.

This is copied from my LInked In
Showing up when you have a hole on your neck and a cancer recovery without vocal cords in a digital reality takes so much more bravery, a whole lot of guts and tons of prayer. As I head to Cape Town to attend the Summit I’m mindful that tax payers money is paying for my flight, attendance and accommodation. This right of passage as part of the package for winning the inaugural award is one I remain grateful to have received. It’s been a tough ride BUT I’m grateful to all of you who will connect with our team, make good on your word to help us and where you can open that door for us you become our pipeline enabler in a season we could do better with your help. turns 20 now days away and this trip is one I take with much optimism.
Plse reach out and connect. See you in Cape Town.
JT Communication Solutions

Illuminating South Africa's Literary Horizon: DSAC Publishing Hub Unveils 21 Unique Works - JT Communication Solutions In a resounding celebration of South African literature, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa (ANFASA) proudly unveil the results of the DSAC Publishing Hub's 2023/24 Call for Manuscripts. This year's initiative has see...

New Month, New Beginnings: March 2024. I honestly just have not a second to spare to write or do personal dawlding stuff on social media BUT glad to find the minute.

March has arrived, bringing with it a renewed sense of possibilities and challenges and the reality that a whole set of bills need to be met. BUT gratefuel amidst the chaos in my headspace, I can find the courage to lead my thoughts to silence the noise. For those familiar with my free-spirited persona, navigating the fine line between chaos and order is a perpetual struggle—I reckon its
mostly dur to my Aquarian birth and East Rand roots.

This month, as you would see I a sharing a photo from a time before my cancer diagnosis and post-op mostly for my sanity (yes I know photo shopping and the paid for make-up works wonders) Grateful for the second chance so generously given to me, I won't say I hate the hole on my neck, but I do despise the challenges it brings—mucous, the constant need for tissues, and the pile-up around me and also having to remember my millions of medical gadgets.

All this as Business challenges persist, and the call for echoes through my journey as a self-made entrepreneur and for start up ups we know this struggle first hand. However, amidst these hurdles, breakthroughs beckon. Our software development team is diligently crafting , set to launch our (Minimum Viable Product) by the end of May. With our 20th-anniversary celebration approaching in April, empowers us to take calculated risks and explore uncharted territories.

Yes, the plan ahead may seem crazy, innovative, and novice, and yes, failure may be a companion on day one. But if we don't try, how will we know the boundless possibilities that emerge from birthing and sharing ideas?

Amidst these exciting ventures, I feel like I finally am back on the road to find my mojo. My constant big dreams have expanded, and I want to be intentional on how accurately I'm heard. While its scary I find myslef having to go back to what i know best and find ways to innovate and share my story. Guys I'm launching my podcast mostly cause with our 20 Anniversary coming up and I don't have a grant funder or resource support it allows me to crate a business model at our need and almost immediatley. Please Join me on this journey and come through to give me a fighting change to see if we can birth this podcast especially knowing I a have an artificial voice. Looiking forward to amplify the power of possibility together.

Miraculous Moments - is my blog on FB and I feel like this part belongs there. Today, leaving church, I experienced a blessing that left me speechless—a moment that felt like someone saw the pain in my heart and the panic in my soul. I stumbled upon my , (the gadet that protects my stoma or hole on my neck) laid out at my feet, a miraculous discovery after countless searches and the kindness of those who tried to help. to all. Here's to a month filled with abundance and opportunities. Guys my advise even in the hustle embrace the power of possibility!
let's do this guys

1st of March and I wanted to start an uplifting BUT guys if you know my life as a . This gadget is close to R5k and I lost far tooo many and cannot not find this one. I have looked in y bin, in the loo, under the car and everywhere.
Medical Aid does not cover this darn gadget and honestly end of the month weeks in such harsh freagan terrain is not how I want to start the month xx

the expensive side of life we don't talk about. We is such a huge word cause let's face it mine remains one of the rarest cancer diagnosis and while I am glad to be despite not having my voice. I just need a break please # # #
Honestly when we launch our dinners please consider paying for the seat. The fireside conversations is one other way to try create diversity in income streams. I have much to be grateful for BUT ask any entrepreneur. Those with and without medical challengers. The stuggle for remains a trigger
Miraculous Moments - one of my buddies on this chat even had someone from USA route one of these gadgets through their networks and flew it back to SA.
Anyway I may delete this post after my pity party

25 Feb 2024 - end of the month weeks are always trigger for all entrepreneurs hustling whether you are a cancer recovery, singly parent, able bodied, married have all your body parts or not.
As the last Sunday of February unfolds, I'm here, grappling with the typical hustle of an entrepreneur. This morning, though, I find myself on the cusp of starting my routing to find the best hack to start waking up my son for church—a commitment we made at the start of the year. Now, the need to honor that promise is non-negotiable, reminding me that sometimes, respecting even the seemingly small agreements is a big deal. Hence my pots& pans, bells and whistle are all ready to make the right sounds to make sure he awakes.

Last week, a friend dropped off a book, and little did I know that this seemingly ordinary act would unravel a profound connection. If you have been following my blog from when we started cast your mind back to May 9th, 2020, a day etched in my journey's timeline. It started with a diagnosis of Spasmodic Dysphonia, only to reveal a hidden foe, Chondrosarcoma, quietly residing in my larynx.

Fast forward to this week I learnt of Kim Ballentine, whose life story dances in tandem with mine in the most unexpected way. In 2004, on her 40th birthday, she, too, fell silent and literally stopped speaking. Her battle with Spasmodic Dysphonia, interwoven with the harrowing ordeal of breast cancer, unfolds as a testament to resilience, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. As I dive into her story, I'm struck by the proximity of our paths, less than ten kilometers apart—a serendipitous revelation that leaves me in awe.

Kim's journey, marked by unwavering faith and a surrender to divine guidance, serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to courage in times of adversity. Her tale resonates deeply, echoing the profound truth that amidst life's trials, belief in something greater infuses us with the strength to persevere.

As we gear up for planning our 20 fireside conversations to celebrate , I can't wait to off to extend an invitation to Kim—should she agree—to join us for a conversation. It's an opportunity I reckong to share moments of reflection, draw inspiration, and celebrate the tenacity of the human spirit and also talk about our fears and vulnerabilities.
I can't wait to make contact and hear her speak with her recovered vocal cords. There were moments I was so sad for me rather than fully be present in in Kim's story and I reckon that's okay also. Anyway I've got to go. Have a blessed week guys