Saturday at the Crown Her Territorial Women’s Ministries Conference was filled with power, purpose, and passion as nearly 2,000 women continued their royal journey together. The theme of the day, Crown Her with Strength: Empowered for Mission, set the focus for a day that equipped women to live out their God-given calling.
The programme was led by Major Phindile Buthelezi, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries in the Northern Kwa Zulu Natal Division, with the day opening in a Royal Exaltation led by the Central, Eastern Cape, and Northern KwaZulu-Natal Divisions. The atmosphere was one of joy as the women lifted up the name of Jesus.
Throughout the day, a wide range of ministries from across the Territory brought richness and diversity to the gathering. The Central, Mid KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga & eSwatini, Limpopo, and Western Cape Divisions all contributed meaningfully, offering music, dance, prayer and moments of ministry that reflected their own local contexts and creativity.
The morning included a lively Bible Quiz based on the Crown Her Bible Study series that had been studied across the Territory in the months leading up to the conference. Ms Cynthia Makhele delivered the first teaching of the day, Fix the Crown Mentally, speaking on the importance of understanding mental health and encouraging the ladies to develop spiritual resilience.
Commissioner Deise Eliasen, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, shared a powerful devotion focused on the two queens found in the book of Esther—Vashti and Esther. She reflected on how Queen Vashti lost her crown when she refused the king’s request, a decision that led to her removal and loss of honour. In contrast, Queen Esther, though faced with great difficulty, chose to lead with courage and faith in God. Urging the women not to face life’s challenges using their own strength or weapons, but to go to God first, Commissioner Eliasen challenged them with the striking reminder: “Don’t lose your crown because of your feelings!” Her message served as both a caution and an encouragement—reminding the women to remain attentive to the voice of the King and to rely on Him for strength in every season.
Worship was beautifully led by Phindi Phewa, a gifted gospel artist, presenter, and radio host on Ukhozi FM. Her ministry created an atmosphere of reverence and celebration, leading hearts into the presence of God.
The second session brought praise and musical offerings from the Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Eastern KwaZulu-Natal Divisions. The women then welcomed author and speaker Rorisang Thandekiso, who delivered a passionate Proclamation to Serve the Lord.
In the afternoon, delegates were invited to attend elective teaching streams:
- Ms Rorisang Thandekiso on Purity
- Rev. S.F. Antoni on Kingdom-Minded Women
- Ms T. Peter on Fitness Through Faith
- Ms Z. Khumalo on Your Child’s Voice Matters
Each stream offered a unique opportunity for focused learning, with some sessions providing practical guidance for everyday life and others inviting deeper reflection and commitment in our relationship with the Lord.
The day concluded with an epilogue shared by Lieutenant Anesu Mbofana, who brought the women together in a time of reflection. She spoke about the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, challenging the women to consider whether they had fully opened their hearts to His ongoing work and power in their lives. After the final prayer, the women shared in a joyful time of fellowship as celebratory cake was shared together. As the session drew to a close, there was a clear sense that something significant had been deposited in each woman and strength had been stirred – this quiet but powerful work of the Holy Spirit was alive in the hearts of the women across the Territory, filling them with a holy anticipation for what God was already preparing for tomorrow.