Written by: Admin_SheEvo
My name is Geraldine, and this is my story. My journey has been one of immense struggle and faith. I was born and raised in Rustenburg, where my parents ran a business for 18 years. Right from the beginning of my childhood, challenges arose, particularly during my teenage years, leading to a period of rebellion on my part—trying to figure out who I am and my place in the world.
In 2008, I got married, and at the same time, I found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately, my marriage became a total wreck due to various difficulties we were experiencing, including racial differences. My ex-husband’s mother was a prominent figure on the church board, and my family disapproved of our relationship, which led to significant issues. As if the mistreatment by family members was not enough, my husband (now ex) became abusive. Despite my efforts to try and make it work, things kept falling apart, and the distance between us increased even more. I made the difficult decision to file for divorce in 2009. However, my circumstances, including the kidnapping of my child, prevented me from attending to the divorce proceedings immediately.
In 2015, I found myself unemployed and hopeless, as if a dark cloud was hovering over my head wherever I went. Although I am not a legal expert, I noticed several errors in my divorce documents, such as misspelt names and incorrect case numbers. Even though I had been legally divorced since 2014, these mistakes prevented me from accessing my pension and other legal rights at that time. I prayed for years for a resolution, and eventually, my prayers were partially answered.
Years later, in December 2019, I returned from working in Port Elizabeth and found a bus ticket and a small amount of money, which allowed me to travel to Rustenburg. Even though the court couldn’t find my ex-husband, I was determined to deal with my legal problems. I asked for legal help, and regardless of the challenges of COVID-19 lockdowns and personal difficulties, I kept working on my case with hope and faith.
During this phase of my life, I faced homelessness and struggled to find a stable living situation. Eventually, I managed to secure a room to squat in, but it was a crowded and uncomfortable space shared with strangers. The limited resources and lack of food made everyday life difficult. After much consideration, I made the tough decision to leave the town I was living in due to the ongoing struggles and safety concerns for both myself and my children.
In 2022, I was featured in a documentary film produced in Rustenburg, where I was chosen as one of 21 South Africans to share my testimony with the world. Later, by the grace of God, we were relocated to KZN, where we continue to pursue our God-given purpose with hope in Christ.
In August 2024, during Women’s Month, I won the Empower Her CADAC South Africa competition through my foundation, Lerato’s Love House NPO, dedicated to supporting the community and sharing hope with others.
The lockdown and personal challenges took a toll on me, but I found peace and joy in helping others. I shared every little thing I had with those in need and took comfort in the support of my faith. Despite being told by lawyers and magistrates that I was emotionally unstable, I remained determined to address the corruption and mistreatment I had faced within the system.
By the grace of God, I was able to remarry in 2022 and found love in a kind, quiet, supportive, and patient spouse. This helped me heal and move forward. In the same year, I received my provident and pension payouts, which we used to establish the NPO shelter in Rustenburg. Since starting the outreach programs and the foundation to assist our community, we have faced various challenges, including recent demolition and illegal evictions, but we remain hopeful. Our focus is on planning for a better future with my partner, children, and the community.
I hope to continue our work with the community through our foundation, “Lerato’s Love House NPO.” We are open to helping others and can be contacted via email or through our foundation’s webpage. Despite the trials, I have never lost faith in God. My journey has taught me courage and the importance of supporting others. I hope to inspire others facing similar struggles. Remember, nothing lasts forever, and your struggles, just like mine, will come to pass. God has plans for you, and you are never alone.
Contact details:
Facebook: Geraldine Moatshe
NPO Facebook: Lerato’s Love house NPO
Hosana
I love the transformation. God is good
May you be blessed a hundred folds
Mira
You have been through so much for one lifetime. You are very brave to have been in such a horrendous situation but still come out of it with pride and the will to help others