A group of 52 women gathered to explore how faith and community can create pathways to renewal and empowerment, constructively rising above life’s greatest challenges on Saturday (1 November).
The Resilience Pathways for Women and Children (RPWC), an NPO founded by Pamela Siziba and dedicated to advancing gender equality, entrepreneurship, and leadership development for women and children, organised the gathering at Hope and Light School in Somerset West.
Helga van Graan, co-founder of Helestea Solutions, served as master of ceremonies for the event themed “Bouncing Back from Adversity.”
Opening prayers by Tsitsi Chosa launched the day, followed by welcoming remarks and an engaging icebreaker led by Siziba. Participants experienced an atmosphere of celebration, worship and connection as they participated in praise sessions that established the foundation for spiritual strengthening and fellowship.
Multiple presenters contributed their experiences and knowledge throughout the programme.
Renate Voster, co-founder of Effective Family Ministry, addressed relationship dynamics, marriage and parenting.
Judith Hill, Hope and Light CEO with three decades of volunteer service, shared how the school’s founder Barbara Tofaute overcame obstacles and challenges to establish the school, demonstrating how passion and perseverance can triumph over adversity.
Nokuthula Nonana demonstrated what bouncing back from adversity looks like in practice, recounting how she overcame poverty and succeeded in the male-dominated telecommunications industry.
Her 18-year journey from technician to operations manager showed those attending that faith and perseverance can turn disadvantages into stepping stones for success.
Dr Lori Ann Marx, ordained minister, counsellor and SoulBridgeSA founder, motivated those attending to align their thinking with scripture, explaining how mental transformation leads to personal freedom and breakthrough from restrictive mindsets.
In her keynote address, Siziba embodied the day’s theme by sharing how personal struggles with failed dreams and marriage led her to discover God’s purpose, encouraging attendees that their challenges may be divine training for ministry, referencing Proverbs 24:16 about how God transforms tests into testimonies.
She provided divine-inspired direction that led to establishing RPWC, a resource for encouraging and supporting women.
Pastor Leandre Sylvester-Rose, who oversees disability services at the provincial Department of Social Development, was the final speaker.
RPWC extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors and supporters including catering sponsors Kallah, Marinda van Aswegan (Pinch of Sugar), Fred Coetzee (Smiling Oven), and C&H Ministry; Moudy’s Massage for speaker gifts; Memory Chifamba for the event cake; Celeste Cross (co-founder of Helestea Solutions) for technical support; and Judith Hill for venue provision.
The successful gathering saw moments of joy, emotion and spiritual immersion, with solidarity and determination thrown into the mix.
Each personal account and lesson reinforced a singular message: divine support enables recovery from any difficulty.
*This article has been amended to add additional information.
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