DJ Lamiez Holworthy opens up about rejection, racism & overcoming hardship! Popular South African DJ Lamiez Holworthy recently opened up about the challenges she faced growing up in a predominantly Indian community, where she experienced rejection, prejudice, and financial struggles. Speaking candidly in a podcast, she shared the painful reality of being disowned by her mother’s family due to her non-Indian appearance and paternal lineage.
Rejected by Her Mother’s Indian Family
Born in Eersterust and raised in Laudium, Holworthy grew up in an environment where she was not fully accepted by her maternal family. Her mother, who is of Indian heritage, faced severe rejection for having a daughter who did not look Indian.
“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.
Holworthy explained that the rejection was so deep-seated that her mother’s relatives spread a false narrative about her origins to justify her existence.
“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.”
Despite this heartbreaking rejection, Holworthy’s mother chose to stand by her daughter, even though it meant losing her own family.
“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.”
A Mother’s Unwavering Love and Support
Although she was ostracized by her extended family, Holworthy expressed immense gratitude for her mother’s unconditional love and support.
“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 challenges, Holworthy describes her childhood as being filled with happiness and warmth, 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 Shattered by Financial Struggles
Just as Holworthy was preparing to pursue a dream career in law, life took a devastating turn.
“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.”
Her mother’s job loss was a major financial blow that not only meant that her New York dream was over but also threatened her education entirely.
“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 these hardships, Holworthy’s mother made sure that her children never felt the full weight of their financial struggles.
“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
Reflecting on her past, Holworthy believes that everything happened for a reason and that her struggles helped shape her into the resilient 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 success to the challenges she faced, saying that without them, she would not have developed 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 Triumph
Lamiez Holworthy’s story is a powerful reminder of how determination, love, and resilience can help overcome even the toughest circumstances.
Despite experiencing rejection from her own family, racial prejudice, and financial hardship, she rose above it all, thanks to her mother’s unwavering support and her own strength of character.
Today, she is one of South Africa’s most successful DJs, proving that no matter the obstacles life throws your way, success is still possible.
