We cried, we smiled, we danced
Refilwe Sedumedi and Maritjie Bothma giving a strong feminine word of courage to women. Picture Ke Bontlebame.
Maleka Charles
The first annual Sedumedi Hope Foundation #ISurvived Diepsloot 2019 event began on an emotional note this past Saturday, as hundreds of young people gathered at the Youth Centre in Diepsloot Extension 2 to show their support for cancer survivor and community inspiration, Refilwe Sedumedi.
Sedumedi — a Sloot FM presenter and founder of the Sedumedi Hope Foundation — expressed her gratitude to God for sparing her life after surviving a traumatic incident last month, when she was shot in the neck by six men during an attempted hijacking.
“Indeed God works in His mysterious way, who could have thought that with this bullet lodged in my neck tissues I would pull this through?”
“It can only be God's sufficient grace upon my life I am forever grateful,” said the bubbly Sedumedi.
Marietjie Bothma encouraged women to stand together in order to overcome fear and the many challenges they face in society.
She urged them to move away from unhealthy competition and instead foster a culture of love, respect, and mutual support.
“When we support each other as Woman we can overcome any fear, pain, struggle.”
“Let us stop competing but hold each other, support each other Love each other Respect each other.”
House of Amba, a fragrance company, lauded Sedumedi as a woman who transforms lives, offering strength and inspiration to those navigating their darkest moments.
"She is the Queen who changes lives, at times our vulnerability gives strength to others."
Sedumedi expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the event. The bubbly “Queen” was visibly moved, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from her community.
“Words cannot express my feelings, and my thanks for your lovely support.”
“I appreciate your determination in showing me I can do it! Thank you for perseverance, support and love.”
As if that wasn’t enough, many young men and women took to social media to shower their “shero” with messages of love and appreciation for her efforts in making a difference, particularly in the lives of women.
Tshepiso Mosimanyana Im so proud of you nd your strength ausi... Im happy the day was a success. Glory be to God😊💐🎉🎊😍... I won't miss the nxt one
Ke Bontlebame Oh!!! Well done Bitso...its amazing what we achieve when He's put in control.
Nthabiseng Mosuoe is with Refilwe Sedumedi Motsebetsi wa today o phethahetse👏
Am humbled m really out of words but God is still GREAT.👌
We cried,We laughed, we smiled ,We got emotional,we got motivated.
Ke Bontlebame to Refilwe Sedumedi Refilwe, when I told you this morning that this is not yours but God's...you thought I was just being me...
And then we got to a point where only prayer could break the chains and open the gates...and it did!! And the event started.
I'm proud of you my friend...bullet in your neck and all, I'm proud of you...it was God's occasion and event and moment in more ways than one...our God came through and took centre stage...I love it.
sipho marc mathafeni @Psyfoliciousnes
She is a phenomenal woman and I am proud to say that she inspire us all... Thanks God for protecting our Fifi
Diepsloot Kasi Lami@DiepslootKasi
Thanks Sedumedi Hope foundation for gracing our Diepsloot Kasi with an inspirational event on Saturday at ext 2 hall ...much love Fifi #Isurvived
Refilwe Sedumedi is widely regarded as a role model. With so many women in society facing emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental challenges, she stands as a beacon of hope and a source of strength for vulnerable women in the Diepsloot community.
