By Puisano News Reporter
Sounds of joy and musical rhythms reverberated through the rafters of Imbizo Community Hall in Intabazwe in Harrismith in the Eastern Free State as women from different parts of this town gathered together to celebrate women’s day yesterday.
Women celebrated in gospel songs, dance and gyrating as the musicians serenaded the event with sweet sounds and voices. Leading the programme was the versatile Ouma Nzimande.
Titled Word Power Ladies Talk the gathering was aimed at bringing women together to celebrate womanhood as designed and created by the Almighty God and to give women a sense of belonging. It was also an opportunity for women to thank God for who they are and to value themselves as each one of them has born unique and special.
Spearheaded by Ntsoaki Mokoena, a Lecturer from the local college and a Pastor’s wife, the event attracted women of different ages around Harrismith, amongst whom were her colleagues and college learners.
“We wanted to celebrate with women from all walks of life. To encourage one another and to share the Word of God together irrespective of church denomination. Women, young and old, are faced with various challenges of life. Some are lonely and some are left all by themselves to raise children. They get exhausted and thus need another shoulder to carry them.
“The event was also aimed at providing a shoulder for women to lean on,” said Mokoena.
Mokoena was the main speaker of the event. She encouraged women to pursue their goals in life and never to give up. She read the Bible from Genesis 17: 15 – 17 as well as Genesis 21: 1 – 3, which tells of how Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were blessed with a child in their old age.
“God’s plans are not the same as our plans. When God promises something, He will definitely do it. He is God of His own time. At the right time, God will work things out for you. One day, God will also hear your prayers and your situation will change for the better,” she told the gathering.
Speaking at the event was also Pastor Sibongile Radebe, who is also a retired police officer. She emphasised the strength rooted in each woman. “A mother is able to manoeuvre and fend for herself and for her family. When there is no food on the table. She will make means,” she said.
Radebe based her words of encouragement on Isaiah 40: 28 and emboldened women to wholly depend on God. She encouraged women to remain strong and never to stop doing what is good.
She also encouraged the married women to love their husbands as well as their children, and to also look after them.
An elated attendee, Deliwe Agnes Mofokeng, described the event as an adoring tribute to Women’s day and said it was filled with heartfelt messages of empowerment and gratitude to women. “The service highlighted their strength, resilience and phenomenal contributions to our community, leaving everyone inspired and uplifted,” she said.
