Women’s Month High Tea at St John the Baptist Parish, Pretoria

As part of this year’s Women’s Month celebrations, the Marriage and Family Life Ministry of St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pretoria North hosted a heartwarming and inspiring High Tea on August 2, drawing women from the parish and across the Archdiocese of Pretoria, both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

The event was officially opened by parish priest, Fr Jeremiah Mkhawanazi, CSS, who welcomed the ladies warmly. He acknowledged the significance of Women’s Month and the vital role that women continue to play in the life of the Church, the family, and society. Fr Mkhawanazi also led a short prayer, entrusting the day to the Holy Spirit.

Serving as masters of ceremonies were the energetic and eloquent Dr Hajira Mashego and Nomaxabiso Tata, who guided the day’s proceedings with grace, humour, and a clear sense of purpose.

The first guest speaker was Kgomotso Mokwena, who addressed the theme of Hope in Relationships. In her moving talk, she spoke about the importance of healing and mending broken relationships in families, and how women can act as bridges between parents and children, as well as between husbands and wives.

“As women, we are the heartbeat of our homes,” she said. “When we bring peace and understanding, we restore the bonds that keep our families strong.”

She reminded those present that hope must be nurtured with intention, love, and forgiveness, especially when family ties are strained or frayed.

The second speaker, Dr Mantshi Elizabeth Teffo, a nurse by profession, and an academic doctor (PhD in public health) from the University of the Witwatersrand, brought along the surprise of the day: her 100-year-old mother, a long-standing member of the St Anne’s Sodality. Dr Teffo shared how her mother’s unwavering Catholic faith had been a bedrock in their family for generations.

In her speech, Dr Teffo spoke about staying centred in one’s faith, even amid life’s challenges. She used her mother as a living example of devotion, resilience, and grace.

Her frail but still sharp and spirited mother was invited to say a few words. In a soft yet firm voice, she said:

“My message to you, my daughters, is simple: remain the pillars of your families. Stay close to your faith, because that is the foundation for everything worthwhile.”

The room erupted in appreciative applause — many visibly moved by the presence of such a living witness to faith and womanhood.

Next to speak was Moyahabo Lamola, founder and proprietor of Pheli Wines, a 100% Black woman–owned wine venture based in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. As an entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Lamola offered encouragement and inspiration to her fellow women.

“When I started Pheli Wines, all I had was a dream and determination,” she said. “I want every woman here to know that your idea is valid, your gift is enough, and your courage will open doors. We were not created to play small.”

She urged the women to embrace their purpose boldly, reminding them that success is as much about impact as it is about profit.

“We’re not just here to take up space — we’re here to shape it.”

The final speaker of the day was Lorato Trok, an acclaimed children’s books author, literacy activist, and a member of the Presidential National Dialogue on Social Cohesion and Nation Building. She opened her address with a candid reflection on the challenges she has faced as a woman in the workplace, including subtle and overt forms of sexism from male colleagues.

“Even today, in spaces where women have proven their excellence, we still sometimes have to fight to be heard or taken seriously,” she said.

“But we push through — not only for ourselves, but for the generations of girls coming behind us.”

Trok then turned her attention to the power of storytelling and indigenous-language literacy as tools for healing and reclaiming identity.

“We cannot speak of true nation-building without the voices and stories of women. The work of healing our country begins with telling the truth — and that truth often lives in the hearts of women.”

She reminded the audience that women are not only caregivers, but also “cultural custodians, conscience-keepers, and peacemakers.”

The event was brought to a close with a vote of thanks by Dineo Lekganyane, a member of the Marriage and Family Life Ministry, who thanked all the speakers, guests, organisers, and volunteers for making the day such a success.

The gathering ended on a high note, with the women enjoying conversation, laughter, fellowship and savouring a wine tasting featuring Pheli Wines and capturing special moments at a specially erected photo booth outside on the venue’s verandah.