There is no doubt that singer Cici, whose real name is Busisiwe Thwala, has been through a lot in her life. Some of her personal struggles have been laid bare in the glare of the public. But despite all that, she says she has managed to pick herself up and rise above the obstacles.

DEALING WITH DEPRESSION 

The musician knows first hand what it?s like to struggle with mental health issues, as she suffered from depression in the past. "Having experienced depression myself, I can attest that it?s not a good place for anyone to be in. Anyone suffering from this depression may feel like giving up," she said. She told ZiMoja:  "I wasn?t myself, but I had my music that got me through that." She also mentioned that when she was struggling with mental issues, she sought professional assistance.

THRIVING CAREER 

Despite her dealing with depression, Cici managed to beat it, something she says she is grateful for. "When I was going through that dark cloud, I didn?t expect to ever heal, but I?m so grateful that I?ve managed to deal with and conquer it. It?s been amazing to see how my fans who?ve dealt with the same issue come up to me and tell me that my music has been instrumental in getting through their struggles. It means my music is doing something good," explained the singer. She said she was happy that her career had finally taken off in ways she never thought possible. "My career is doing well, and I?m so happy that I?ve finally gotten to the stage that I can say that." In 2017, Cici accused Kwaito legend Arthur Mafokate of assaulting her to the extent that she needed pelvic replacement surgery. Arthur was acquitted of the charges n 2019.