POLOKWANE – Violet Mahada, the founder of Violet Cares, an organisation dedicated to healing and empowerment, is a devoted mom of two daughters, counsellor, facilitator and community advocate with a passion for purpose-driven living.

Creating safe spaces

On June 22, 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mahada suffered the loss of her husband. While grief altered the course of her life, it did not derail her purpose. Instead, she transformed her pain into a platform for service, equipping others with practical tools to rise above life’s challenges.

Drawing from both her lived experience and professional training, Mahada told Polokwane Observer that one of Violet Cares’ flagship programmes, Voice of a Widow, creates safe and courageous spaces where widows are heard, supported and compassionately accompanied through their journey of loss and healing.

“The inaugural Voice of a Widow breakfast session was hosted in November last year, with ongoing engagements planned throughout 2026,” she said.

Mahada also facilitates weekly devotional and encouragement sessions titled Choose-Day Prayer, grounded in the philosophy of one choose-day at a time. Through these sessions, participants are encouraged to make intentional daily choices towards healing, hope and restoration.

Before founding Violet Cares, Mahada joined Widow Empowerment Corner, founded by Lerato Maluleke, in search of support and belonging. “Within this space, I began working closely with Lerato and her team, which ignited a deep passion for supporting widows and their children as they navigate grief, healing and life after loss,” she said.

Her journey has included navigating complex grief, blended family dynamics, cultural and Christian belief systems surrounding mourning, psychological challenges and legal battles. Despite this, she has remained resilient and grounded. Alongside her advocacy work, Mahada continues to manage Savio Estate Lodge, a business she established with her late husband.

A commitment to personal growth

In redefining her life after loss, she embarked on a journey of self-development, self-care and mental and physical wellness. This period strengthened her academic and professional foundation, including the completion of her psychology degree and additional professional certifications.

“This season marked the emergence of a renewed Violet – anchored in healing, resilience and purpose,” she said.

National recognition

In recognition of her strength and perseverance, Mahada received the Grace Under Fire National Award, a prestigious honour celebrating widows across the country who have overcome extraordinary adversity while continuing to build, preserve and pursue their dreams.

Mahada holds a social sciences degree, an honours in criminology and a qualification in health sciences and social services in psychological counselling.

She has also completed accredited certifications in training facilitation, assessment practices, recognition of prior learning (RPL), coaching and mentoring through ETDP Seta. Most recently, she completed the PsychUP counsellor development training programme with The Wellness Specialist.