Tsakani – Two young women from Tsakani have formed an organisation called The Ruth Collective Sisterhood. Founders Thando Twala and Lerato Makhetha are two women deeply passionate about faith, community, and authentic sisterhood.
Their initiative is rooted in communities across Gauteng, particularly Tsakani and Katlehong. They have stated that their initiative was inspired by a personal journey- seasons of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, rejection, and questioning one’s worth.
“In a time where many women silently struggle with comparison, loneliness, and spiritual fatigue, we felt called to create a space where women could gather, pray, heal, and grow together. The Ruth Collective was born from a conviction that no woman should walk her journey alone,” explained Makhetha.
Makhetha cited that their organisation is not just a movement; it is a community initiative that understands the lived realities, pressures, and dreams of women in townships and urban spaces alike. When establishing the organisation, the two women identified gaps that led to the creation of their faith-based sisterhood.
“One of the major gaps identified was the absence of safe, non-judgmental spaces where women could be spiritually honest without performance,” she said.
Makhetha listens to the following as gaps, saying many women:
• Feel pressured to appear strong at all times
• Battle silently with rejection, heartbreak, identity crises, or financial strain
• Attend church but lack intimate, vulnerable sisterhood
• Struggle with imposter syndrome and comparison
“This is why the initiative was created: to bridge the gap between faith and real-life struggles in order to offer both prayer and practical conversations. The name of the initiative draws inspiration from the biblical story of the Book of Ruth, which represents loyalty in uncertain seasons.
Organisers of the hike Lerato Makhetha and Thando Twala. Photo: Lerato Makhetha
“The word collective emphasises unity. This is not about one voice, one leader, or one story; it is about women walking together,” she added.
She cited their core mission as creating a faith-centred sisterhood where women are rooted in God, grounded in identity, and growing in purpose.
Ultimately, their vision is generational impact where women are healed and empowered enough to raise, mentor, and influence others.
The organisation recently held a prayer hike. at Thaba Eco Hotel. The theme of the hike was Rooted, Grounded and Growing, reflecting a powerful journey of spiritual stability, intentional foundation and continuous personal growth. The main purpose was to create a physical and spiritual experience of surrender, reflection, and unity.
“The hike symbolised leaving comfort zones, walking through valleys and inclines together, choosing movement instead of stagnation, and seeking God intentionally in nature.
“It was not just an outdoor activity; it was a prophetic act of women walking into new seasons together. Women were encouraged to understand that growth does not always look dramatic.
Teekay Gwala enjoyed the hike. Photo: Lerato Makhetha
A picture of Zanele Mbuyisa, Khanyi Zindela and Nthabiseng Nkopane before the hike. Photo: Lerato Makhetha
“Sometimes growth is quiet consistency, healing, and choosing faith again,” cited Twala.
The prayer hike received support from 102 women. Twala said the hike was an experience, physically challenging but empowering. The hiking experience also had a guest speaker, Zinhle
Kunene, who said that in life’s journey, there will be obstacles and challenges. She expressed that it will be hard, but if we keep faith in God, the journey will not be hard because He will be holding us through. While Nqobile Mabaso focused on leaving and starting afresh.
“Starting on a new slate in 2026, God is positioning us as women in a different light, so everything that seemed to be falling apart will be fine and God will hear us,” she said Mabaso.
The pair wants to grow the sisterhood beyond local events, invite more women from diverse backgrounds and locations, and create regional chapters or online circles so women everywhere can connect in faith and purpose. They extended their invitation to the broader community and surrounding areas.
“Come walk with us. In our gatherings, you will find faith that strengthens, sisterhood uplifts, and offers a safe space to grow through every season. Together, we pray, share, learn, and step boldly into the plans God has for us,” concluded Twala.
Gugu Songo and Mathabo Pholo participated. Photo: Lerato Makhetha
Nombulelo, Lerato and Zinzi Makhetha. Photo: Lerato Makhetha
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