A Journey of Struggle and Triumph

Renowned South African DJ Lamiez Holworthy recently shared her emotional journey of rejection, racism, and financial struggles. Speaking in a candid podcast interview, she opened up about growing up in a predominantly Indian community where she faced discrimination and exclusion due to her mixed heritage. Despite the hardships, she has emerged stronger, proving that resilience and determination can lead to success.

Rejected by Her Mother’s Family
Born in Eersterust and raised in Laudium, Holworthy grew up facing rejection from her maternal family. Her mother, of Indian descent, was disowned for having a daughter who did not fit the traditional Indian appearance.
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“People think white people are racist, but Indian people can be worse. Some coloureds can be worse, and I experienced the worst from my family,” she revealed.

Her mother’s relatives even spread false stories about her origins to justify their disapproval.

“They would tell people that I was a product of rape. I first heard it from my Indian cousin when everyone in school kept asking how come I was black while my cousins were Indian,” she shared.
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Despite this painful rejection, Holworthy’s mother chose to stand by her daughter, sacrificing her own family relationships to support her child.

“My mom had to choose between having me and her family. It was terrible. They wrote my mom off. I was the black sheep of the family. I looked black, and I didn’t have their kind of hair, which made it worse.”
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A Mother’s Unwavering Love
Although she was abandoned by her extended family, Holworthy expressed deep gratitude for the love and support she received from her mother.

“My mom had to hide for the longest time, but she chose me, and she continued to choose me. My mom raised me with so much love that I could not tell a difference between myself and my siblings. My mom has always been ready to go to war for me.”

Despite the external challenges, she described her home life as warm and happy, thanks to her mother and stepfather.

“I grew up in a very happy home. I come from love. I was raised by my mom and my stepfather, who went out of their way to make sure that my siblings and I were good.”

Dreams Crushed by Financial Struggles
Holworthy had initially aspired to become an entertainment lawyer and had plans to study in New York. However, life took a devastating turn when her mother lost her job.

“I initially wanted to be an entertainment lawyer. On my 16th birthday, my mom bought me plane tickets to study in New York. Then she got retrenched.”
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Her mother’s job loss not only ended her dream of studying abroad but also made basic survival difficult.

“Not only did it mean New York was not happening, but it also meant studying at that time was not happening. The municipality would come and switch our lights off. We’d sit in the dark for weeks.”

Despite the financial struggles, Holworthy’s mother remained optimistic and ensured her children never felt completely hopeless.

“In the darkest of times, my mom would tell us how she was going to fix it, and we had no doubt she would. She’d make the most out of the little things.”

Turning Pain into Strength
Looking back, Holworthy believes her hardships shaped her into the strong woman she is today.

“There are so many things that my mom and I had to endure, and now that I’m older, I understand why things had to be so tough. I understand why things happened the way they did.”

She credits her struggles for instilling in her the drive, determination, and gratitude that define her today.

“I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for those things. I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t know what it’s like not to have.”

A Story of Resilience and Success
Lamiez Holworthy’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and self-belief. Despite facing racism, family rejection, and financial hardship, she has risen above it all.
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Today, she stands as one of South Africa’s most successful DJs, proving that no matter the obstacles, success is possible when you refuse to give up.