In this gripping Human Rights Day special, we bring you “The Horror in the Bush” by Mandisi Nkomo, a haunting speculative tale of resistance, survival and the cost of freedom.

Set in a dystopian version of Southern Africa, the story follows a lone freedom fighter navigating a surreal and brutal landscape. With only his rifle, his resolve and the quiet strength of his sister, he refuses to surrender to the monsters of oppression.

This episode is a visceral meditation on the human cost of systemic violence, the quiet power of ordinary people who choose to resist and why fear does not make you less brave - it makes you real.

Inspired by our conversation with the author, this story reminds us that heroes are not superhuman; they’re people who dare to do the right thing, even when they’re afraid.