“I Only Remember the Fire”: Ntando Duma Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Her Father’s Abuse

South African actress and media personality Ntando Duma has bravely spoken out about the painful childhood memories that continue to shape her life today. In a recent sit-down on the L-Tido Podcast, the Shaka iLembe star revealed haunting details about her past, including a terrifying incident involving her father that nearly cost her family their lives.

Ntando explained that she grew up without a father figure and that her last memory of him dates back to when she was just three years old. Unlike many children who might recall moments of warmth, laughter, or fatherly protection, Ntando’s only vivid memory of her father is one of horror and trauma.

According to the actress, her father, who was a heavy drinker, once attempted to burn down the shack they lived in while the entire family was asleep inside. She recalled waking up to fire and chaos, describing the incident as a turning point that forever defined how she viewed him.

Beyond that terrifying night, Ntando revealed that her father was abusive throughout her early childhood. He not only subjected her mother to physical violence but also turned his aggression on the children. She remembered instances where he would beat them whenever they cried, instilling fear instead of comfort.

This painful history, Ntando says, is the reason she made a personal vow never to drink alcohol. Having witnessed firsthand how destructive substance abuse can be, she chose a different path for herself. “I knew from a very young age that I never wanted alcohol to play any role in my life,” she explained.

Now a proud mother of two, Ntando is determined to create a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for her children—one that is the complete opposite of the violent and unstable home she grew up in. Her mission is to break the cycle of abuse and ensure that her children never experience the trauma she endured. “My kids deserve peace, love, and safety, and that’s the world I am working hard to build for them,” she said.

Ntando’s candid revelations highlight the deep scars left by domestic violence and substance abuse, but they also showcase her resilience and determination to rise above her circumstances. By sharing her truth, she hopes to inspire others who have lived through similar experiences to break free from destructive cycles and choose a better path.

Her full journey and personal reflections will be documented in her upcoming memoir, where she will delve deeper into her childhood, career, and motherhood. The book is expected to shed even more light on how she transformed her pain into strength and her trauma into purpose.

Ntando Duma’s story is not just one of survival but also of courage and empowerment. It reminds us why it is important to speak up, support survivors, and work collectively to end cycles of abuse.