Finding hope after pregnancy heartbreak: Devina's story
⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and infant loss, which some listeners may find distressing.
In this episode, Carol sits down with Devina Kowlas, a Durban-based teacher and mother who has walked a long road through loss - and come out the other side with powerful lessons in hope and healing.
After experiencing ten pregnancies and enduring the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, Devina’s story is raw, moving, and deeply human. Through it all, she and her husband Lavine never gave up on their dream of becoming parents.
Today, they’re raising two healthy children and Devina is sharing their story to support others facing similar heartbreak. Devina talks about breaking the silence around pregnancy loss, the importance of community, and what it takes to keep believing in your comeback.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and content warning
00:22 Meet Devina Kowlas: a journey of hope and heartbreak
01:50 The first pregnancy: joy and unexpected loss
07:11 Facing multiple miscarriages
08:26 The pain of full-term losses
09:10 Coping mechanisms and emotional strength
18:42 Finding resilience through grief
19:50 Breaking the silence around miscarriage
20:44 Considering adoption and an unexpected pregnancy
22:43 The rollercoaster of trying again
25:40 The birth of a miracle
32:25 Encouragement for those facing infertility
35:17 Lessons in hope and healing
37:02 What comeback means to Devina
37:53 Final thoughts and gratitude
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38:39
The sky isn’t the limit: Dr Thabani Mazibuko's story
Space science might feel galaxies away for most of us, but Dr Thabani Mazibuko’s story proves that big dreams can launch from humble beginnings.
In Episode 2 of The Comeback with Carol Ofori, Dr Thabani Mazibuko -Chairperson of the South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development and author - opens up about setbacks, comebacks, and using knowledge to change lives.
From rural KwaZulu-Natal to the global stage, Dr Mazibuko’s path is filled with moments that will leave you inspired.
He talks about building rockets as a child, stepping away from university to support his family, and returning to earn a doctorate in space technology. Today, he’s leading projects that use satellite data to help communities better prepare for natural disasters.
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever had to hit pause on your dreams - and needed a reminder that your comeback is still possible.
In this episode:
00:45 Meet Dr. Mazibuko: From Humble Beginnings to Space Technology
01:23 Inspiration and Early Influences
05:27 Challenges and Determination
06:44 Socioeconomic Challenges and Solutions
08:25 Educational Journey and Achievements
11:44 The Importance of Space Technology
13:35 Giving Back and Inspiring the Next Generation
14:28 Overcoming Adversities
17:42 Future Aspirations and Reflections
22:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell VIDEO VERSION
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23:39
Jes Foord’s story: Choosing strength after unimaginable trauma
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of rape and sexual violence, which may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
In the premiere episode of The Comeback with Carol Ofori, we hear from Jes Foord - rape survivor, activist, and founder of the Jes Foord Foundation. In 2008, Jes experienced a brutal attack that changed her life forever. But what followed was a decision to fight -- not just for herself, but for thousands of others.
Carol and Jes discuss the moment everything changed, the early days of healing, and the power of finding purpose in pain. This is a raw and powerful conversation about choosing courage, creating community, and building something meaningful out of the unimaginable.
Key moments:
• 00:00 – Introduction: A Story of Resilience
• 00:55 – The Horrific Incident: Jes Foord’s Story
• 06:27 – The Aftermath: Coping and Community Support
• 15:09 – Healing and Advocacy: The Jes Foord Foundation
• 24:31 – Final Thoughts: Strength and Moving Forward
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the Jes Foord Foundation.
They offer counselling, mentorship, and resources for survivors of sexual violence.
📱 WhatsApp: 066 440 3604
🌐 www.jff.org.za
You are not alone. Help is available. VIDEO VERSION
Everyone loves a good comeback—but what does it really take to rise again?
In this powerful South African podcast, award-winning broadcaster Carol Ofori sits down with remarkable individuals who’ve faced life’s toughest moments—and found the strength to keep going.
This is The Comeback - a podcast about resilience, healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
From personal tragedy and mental health struggles to moments of radical transformation, each episode explores how ordinary people rebuild, rediscover, and rise -- on their own terms.
Raw. Real. Uplifting. These are the stories behind the strength.
New episodes every Thursday. Follow for inspiring true stories of hope, healing, and second chances.
South Africa