In this edition of our literary column, we introduce legal eagle and author, Vanitha Soraya Gounden of Pretoria, who writes about her background and her autobiography, ‘My Poisoned Chalice’…
“I was born in Pietermaritzburg, attended Raisethorpe Secondary School and studied BA Law LLB at Natal University, now UKZN.
My book, ‘My Poisoned Chalice’ was written during the Covid-19 lockdown, after my personal trauma, with the aim to inspire and assist women who have endured adversity to find their strengths.
I was appointed State Prosecutor at Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court. Thereafter, I prosecuted in Simonstown and Muizenburg. I also worked as an Estate Controller at the Master’s Office in Cape Town.
My family and I relocated to Kimberley where I prosecuted at the Regional Court, and was thereafter appointed as State Advocate at the Kimberley High Court. Thereafter, I was Senior State Law Advisor at the office of the Premier- Northern Cape Provincial Administration.
My family and I relocated to Pretoria on
March 1, 2001 and I horizontally transferred to the Department of Correctional Services at Head Office, as a Senior Legal Advisor. I am in private practice now.
My family and I have been residents of Pretoria for 20 years to date.
I also practice as Commissioner/Arbitrator and completed a Lifeline Personal Development and Counselling Course, which was completely different from legal practice and enhanced my feelings of empathy. I have four children. My eldest daughter lives in the UK and works there as a Computer Engineer, the eldest son is an Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer who works and lives in Sandton with his family. My younger daughter qualified as a high school teacher and in Further Education and Training, but branched out as a Copywriter after qualifying as a Graphic Designer and Copywriter. She lives with me. My youngest son is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria. He lives with his father in Pretoria, after the break-up of our family in 2017. All 4 children qualified at the University of Pretoria.
Synopsis of My Poisoned Chalice:
The book is autobiographical, coupled with a guide for women in exercising their rights to access legal aid, the divorce process, children and divorce, dealing with domestic violence, obtaining a protection order, and the application for maintenance at the High Court and The Magistrates Court.
The addendum has valuable information about where women can go to in seeking assistance. I am an avid road runner and two chapters in the book inspire women to enjoy movement and keep physically strong in dealing with trauma.
Women need to know that in all our diverse roles, despite domestic abuse, or ongoing protracted divorce processes, we can survive and be happy.
My book has been published by our National Library’s Centre for the Book Community Publishing Program, which promotes a culture of reading, writing and publishing, in all local languages.
It is available at The Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg, Mangaung Library in Bloemfontein, Free State, the National Library in Tshwane/Gauteng and the Library of Parliament in Cape Town.
Readers who are interested in purchasing my book can contact me at 0828691564 or my daughter, Sasheera at 0663738555.
– Kind regards
Vanitha Soraya Gounden
