KNYSNA NEWS - More than 20 women from the Women with Passion support group met at the Turbine Hotel on Women's Day to listen to a motivational talk and share their stories of bravery, pain and hope to inspire others.
The aim of this group of women, who came dressed in denim-and-white, is to spiritually equip, empower and unite women from all walks of life. The group, started eight years ago, is based in Hornlee.
Two women took to the stage to share the stories of victory over adversity. Lizelle Bunge spoke about her journey with the group and how it picked her up at just the right time, before Chante Titus related her gripping story about being raised in a tavern where she was forced to sell Mandrax.
Sharing painful memories
She painted painful memories of when she was 11 years old and how the police came to her home to search for drugs, "I remember my father asked me to hide a packet of drugs and I hid it in my underwear," she told the meeting. "In our neighbourhood, most children thought we had it all but had no idea how much of a burden came with it."
She also related how things changed when the tavern was destroyed. "I remember coming back from school and seeing people trashing the place… I cried – and I'm sure people thought I was sad, but that had to be one of the best things that happened in my childhood."
Shortly after that, things changed as the family now had to rely on just her mother's salary. Their furniture was repossessed but her mother still managed to send her to Knysna High School.
ChanteTitus.
Titus said after completing matric she got a job to wash trolleys at Checkers before becoming a waitress at Portland Manor, where she now forms part of the accommodation establishment's ownership.
She said she remembers vividly how prayer and support from the women in the group strengthened and saved her during those dark days.
Hoping to reach out to more
The founder of the support group who started it in her house over 10 years ago, Rita Borcherds, said such events are a great platform to create awareness about what the support group does and that they are hoping to reach out to more women in future.
"We plan to have more of these gatherings to create a platform for women to gain strength from each other and celebrate their victories over adversity. Sharing our stories could be the breakthrough the next person has been waiting for."
The get-together ended with coffee and snacks as the women mingled and received gifts.
Lizelle Bunge.
Members of Women with Passion basking in the sun at the Turbine Hotel on Women's Day. Photos: Nwabisa Pondoyi
The group also supports and reaches out to women living on the street who couldn't attend the function, but event organiser Maurita Borcherds-Hendricks (daughter of Rita) took their gifts to them at the rail depot behind the fire station where some of these women sleep at night.
Borcherds-Hendricks said an event of this nature would've never been possible without sponsorships. "I can never thank the Turbine and their staff, Woolworths, and Joy Belle for believing in my vision to celebrate these women and encourage to do more for their communities."
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