Empowering Women with a Passion
KNYSNA - Knysna-based women’s empowerment organisation Women With a Passion (WWAP) recently held its annual Women’s Conference on Sunday 17 September in Vanwyskdorp at the Rooiberg Lodge, under the theme "It's Time."
The message conveyed was clear: it is time for women to heal, step into their ministries, serve others, and share the blessings they have received freely.
This ripple effect has the power to transform lives and impact society, instilling hope for a brighter future.
During the conference, an open-air gathering was held in collaboration with the local police. The atmosphere reverberated with sounds of worship and praise, as people came together to seek solace and offer prayers. The women of
WWAP distributed small tokens of love, including Bibles, to those in attendance. In a heart-warming gesture, police honoured the women with medals, recognising their steadfast support and outreach efforts within the Vanwyksdorp community. It was an incredibly beautiful experience for everyone involved.
The success of Women With a Passion and their endeavours would not have been possible without the generous support of various organisations and individuals. The WWAP team and beneficiaries extend their heartfelt gratitude to Superspar Knysna, Milk & Honey, Doug van Niekerk, Jantjies Transport, The Bakery, Turbine Hotel, and others who played a part in making these initiatives possible. Their generosity and collaboration have made a tangible difference in the lives of women and the communities they serve.
The history of WWAP
Women With a Passion (WWAP) was established in Knysna in 2012 by Margaret Patricia Borcherds, a remarkable woman driven by the pressing and multifaceted needs of women in the Hornlee community.
As an ordained pastor with an unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of others, regardless of their background or beliefs, she dedicated her life to serving those around her, earning the affectionate nickname "Ma Rita."
What began as an informal Women's Support Group quickly blossomed into a national movement, hosting Women's Conferences in 2012 and establishing an AtRisk Youth Support Group in 2013.
Upon Ma Rita's passing, the torch was passed to her daughter, Mauritia BorcherdsHendricks, a Knysna Rotarian, who willingly took on the role of leading Women with a
Passion alongside a network of dedicated women across South Africa.
As Women with a Passion continues its journey, guided by the indomitable spirit of Ma Rita, the organisation remains dedicated to empowering women, fostering personal growth, and creating opportunities for service and impact. With a network of passionate individuals across the Garden Route and South Africa, WWAP strives to uplift women, nurture their potential, and ignite positive change in society.
“The theme of this year’s conference was 'It's Time'. Meaning that it’s time for women to heal, step out, step into their ministries to serve others, and share with their communities what they have freely received – the ripple effect that has the power to change lives and impact society by bringing hope for a better future,” says Mauritia BorcherdsHendricks.