#TalkAboutHer Africa Tour

As part of the #TalkAboutHer empowerment tour, Paulah Mothotoane, a student in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria, recently visited and volunteered in several African countries, along with other young women from UP.  They were led by Pastor Immanuel Landmann from Elim Full Gospel Church and used their time traveling from South Africa all the way to Kenya to learn about other cultures, while also advocating for the rights of girls and women everywhere.

In Paulah’s own words, “What first caught my attention in the 6 countries we visited in Africa was the beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere as a result of people being respectful, welcoming, kind & considerate! It was fascinating to drive past elephants, zebras and giraffes in close range, seeing many Baobab trees and tea plantations! In Zimbabwe, Victoria falls, it was mind-blowing to hear the sounds of the cascade from as far away as a kilometre, but being close enough to see the wonder was even more breathtaking.

We also had the privilege of hearing untold inspirational stories of women in Africa who lead in their communities. Their stories of courage, hard-work, faith and perseverance edified my understanding of African women leadership. Women in Africa lead in different spheres of life and their leadership is relevant and effective as they serve both behind-the-scenes and in the forefront. My interaction with men, women and children in different African countries made me realize that women have a purpose and role in leadership that needs to be realized and observed. With that, I encourage young women to find out where they are called to lead and to take up their leadership roles in their African context.

A special thanks to Life Abundance Scholarship from the faculty of theology and Ms Terrylywayne Harris from St Columba’s Presbyterian church Hatfield for sponsorship and Mr Emmanuel Landman from Elim full Gospel church for facilitating the Africa Trip.