Dianne Casoni Award Recipients

2022

Erika Bornman
Mission of Malice : My Exodus from KwaSizabantu

Of great literary quality, Erika Bornman’s book deals in depth with several aspects of cultic phenomena, in particular, those related to the life experiences of children raised in cultic groups. This autobiographical account, which covers about forty years, meticulously describes the inner workings of the KwaSizabantu Mission as well as the harm such a group can cause, in particular, the neglect, the abuse and the sexual assaults. Bornman also discusses in detail the difficulties that second-generation cult survivors face when they leave these groups and try to integrate into society. The author’s exodus from the KwaSizabantu Mission not only captures the difficult challenges faced, but also the empowering feeling of telling her story and helping other former cult members tell theirs. This book contributes to a greater understanding of cultic phenomena and how children have been victimized in these groups, which in turn, can help mental health professionals deal more effectively with the difficulties former cult members may face in their social integration processes.

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