Fifty married women filled Syringa Cafe in Bromhof, Randburg, on July 25, coming together to encourage and strengthen one another as women’s month got under way.

The gathering was hosted by Chosen Wives, an organisation founded by Nthabiseng Sethoga in 2014. Women travelled from different provinces to attend, with each guest receiving a special gift on the day.

Speaking about the organisation’s beginnings, Sethoga said the aim had always been to remind married women not to give up on the dreams they held before they got married. She said that, while caring for others, women needed to remember their own worth. “Since 2014 we have witnessed God’s goodness. We are a support system to each other.”

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She added that members had gone on to win awards in business, academics, and their professions, and that the organisation now ran a mentorship programme among its wives. According to Sethoga, several members have started their own outreach initiatives, including soup kitchens, literacy programmes, and collection drives for stationery, baby items, and sanitary towels for girls in townships and rural areas. “We have witnessed wives being the change they want to see in their different areas of service.”

Explaining why the event was chosen to open women’s month, Sethoga said it was meant to remind women that they are valuable, resilient, bold, and courageous. The theme of the day, Fixing each other’s crowns, was about correcting one another in love. “Being strong but not rude. Focusing on the potential we have rather than limitations we see.”

Looking ahead, Sethoga said Chosen Wives would continue encouraging married women and building one another up. She confirmed that the next event, the Chosen Wives replenish high tea, is scheduled for July 24, 2027.

For many attendees, the gathering came at a meaningful time. One guest said she had been feeling challenged and discouraged before the event, “but after today’s gathering, I am geared up and encouraged to dream again and be hopeful.”

When asked what she was taking home with her, she added simply: “In life, we never give up.”

The day featured several speakers, each of whom left the women with a message. Programme director pastor Sibongile Xaba encouraged the women to cast their cares to God, who gives strength and courage. Coach Comfort Selebi spoke on health, urging the women to eat well, rest, and stay active. “Healthy habits stop sickness and keep your heart strong.”

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Minister Emmaculate Lokangaka reminded the gathering that they were remarkable and created for greatness. Pastor Lusanda Dhlamini spoke on marriage, describing it as a gift from God and encouraging the women to seek His direction and wisdom. Pastor Shumi Kali closed with a call for the women to ignite for a greater purpose, while running coach Comfort Selebi, who has completed nine Comrades Marathons, drew parallels between endurance running and marriage. “In running you need discipline, endurance, commitment, zeal, and courage. You run even if you don’t feel like it because you have purpose in your heart to achieve. You press on, most importantly, I believe that nothing is impossible when we believe.”

Mrs Bold Finalist 2026 Unathi Nare also addressed the women, with a message for those who feel they have lost their crown along the way. “Dear women, rise up, you are not defined by what you are going through. Don’t be paralysed by pain but turn it into purpose.”

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