PASTORS’ WIVES DINNER DISCUSSIONS TO ADDRESS CRITICAL SOCIAL ISSUES

Entertainment

BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE

EZULWINI – The Pastors’ Wives Foundation is set to host the sixth edition of its highly anticipated Dinner Discussions on April 25, 2026, at the Happy Valley Hotel, bringing together women in ministry for an evening of dialogue, empowerment and reflection.

With 70 percent of tickets already sold, the event continues to grow as an important platform where pastors’ wives can share experiences, strengthen fellowship and gain insight into issues affecting families and communities.

Founder and organiser Mkhokheli Mpumie Motsa said the event has grown significantly since its inception, evolving from a simple gathering into a space for meaningful conversations and personal growth.

“Over the past six editions, the Pastors’ Wives Dinner Discussions has evolved from simply being a fellowship platform into a meaningful space for empowerment, dialogue and healing,” said Motsa.

“In the earlier editions, the focus was mainly on encouragement and building relationships among pastors’ wives. As the platform grew, we began to intentionally introduce discussions that address real-life challenges affecting women, families and ministry.”

This year’s discussions will focus on pressing social issues including gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health and teenage pregnancies.

Motsa explained that these topics were chosen because pastors’ wives are often approached by families seeking guidance during difficult times.

“They are often the first point of contact when families experience crisis,” she said. “By bringing these topics into a structured and safe discussion environment, we hope to equip them with knowledge, perspective and confidence to engage these matters with wisdom, compassion and responsibility within their communities.”

She also acknowledged the support of organisations assisting the foundation in tackling these sensitive issues, including the Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Motsa commended SWAGAA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini for the guidance she has provided over the years, particularly in addressing issues related to abuse and family welfare.

In addition, Motsa acknowledged the encouragement of Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who challenged the foundation to address the growing concerns surrounding teenage pregnancies and the lack of awareness on sexual and reproductive health.

According to Motsa, the event is designed to empower pastors’ wives who often carry significant responsibilities within ministry while remaining largely unrecognised. “Pastors’ wives carry a unique and often unseen responsibility within ministry,” she said.

“Through these discussions, we want to remind them that they are not alone. Ultimately, we want them to leave feeling empowered, valued and better equipped to care not only for others, but also for their own well-being.”

To complement the serious dialogue, the evening will feature a white carpet arrival and an elegant dinner setting designed to honour the women who serve quietly behind the scenes.

“The white carpet and elegant dinner setting symbolise dignity, appreciation and recognition for women who often serve quietly behind the scenes,” Motsa said.

“It creates an environment of warmth, grace and fellowship where meaningful conversations can happen in a setting that reflects value and excellence.”

The foundation also hopes the event will help shift how the broader church community views the role of pastors’ wives. “They are not simply supporters of their husbands’ ministries,” Motsa said. “They are leaders, counsellors, mentors and pillars of strength within the church.”

The event will feature guest speakers including Ntsiki Malaza, Christie Bature, and Nomfundo Ngubeni. Registration is E530, which includes a dinner buffet. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets by dialling *384*2626#.

#EPN #PastorsWivesFoundation #DinnerDiscussions #Empowerment #EzulwiniEvents #CommunityHealing