Women in ministry were encouraged to embrace vulnerability and seek support, at a powerful gathering hosted by MamK Media in East London on April 27
Speaking to Gateway News after the Women in Ministry: Chapter 1 event, Apostle Bathandwa “Mam K” Kwatsha opened up about her personal journey through marriage, motherhood, and ministry — including a struggle with postnatal depression, a subject she says is not spoken about enough.
The inaugural Women in Ministry event was originally planned to take place at Victory Vineyard Kingdom Ministries, but was changed, at the eleventh hour, to Legends School of Music in Berea. Interestingly, this is the same place where Beloved Gathering with Mam K was birthed through intimate prayer and worship sessions. Truly a special and meaningful full-circle moment.
A guest at the event, Apostle Fundiswa Gumede, shared her story about being forced by God to go “mask off” because He had an urgent assignment for her life. She had to come out and be honest about her situation, her scars, her imperfections, and her vulnerabilities.
Zingisa Gcilitshana, who was the event coordinator, told Gateway News that she was reminded of Genesis 50:20: You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
“What was once meant to bring shame has now become a saving grace for so many people silently carrying the same wounds she speaks about. Her testimony is not only bringing healing, but also giving others permission to stop hiding and start healing too,” said Gcilitshana.
The event theme, “Mask off, I have been there”, created a space for women to confront often-hidden realities behind leadership in the church.
“There was a time when I wanted to hide,” Mam K said.
She explained that after getting married, she was warned that her spiritual life would decline — a narrative that intensified when she later experienced postnatal depression.
“I felt disconnected from God. It felt like everything people said about marriage was becoming my reality,” she told Gateway News.
Mam K described that season as overwhelming, as she tried to balance the demands of being a mother, a wife, and a minister.
“I felt like I was dying a slow death in the midst of a crowd,” she said.
Professional help
Her healing journey began when she sought professional help — a step she now urges other women to take.
“I dealt with my mental health issues spiritually, which I will not advise anyone to do. It took me longer to heal because I didn’t seek the help that I needed,” she said.
While her faith remained central, Mam K noted that healing requires both spiritual and practical support. She added that her prayer life eventually became a constant, personal conversation with the Holy Spirit.
A key concern she raised with Gateway News was the lack of safe spaces for women in ministry.
“If that wound is not opened by you talking about it, for the bleeding to take place in private, then the bleeding will take place in public — and when it does, it will have its own casualties,” she said.
She emphasised that many women in church spaces feel pressured to wear “masks” — presenting themselves as strong and spiritually stable, even when they are struggling.
“Some masks become walls that block people from accessing the real you,” she explained.
Mam K also addressed challenges women face within ministry, including resistance and lack of support in leadership roles often dominated by men. She encouraged women to seek mentorship across different areas of their lives.
Speaking about the role of faith in people’s lives, she told Gateway News that faith is built over time, through consistency and personal relationship with God.
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17), she said, urging women to seek God beyond ministry obligations.
Despite moments where she had considered stepping away from ministry, Mam K said the calling of God remained steadfast.
“When the call of God is upon your life, there is always a way,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of healthy sisterhood, encouraging women to create safe, supportive environments.
“It is okay to be vulnerable. Leaders are allowed to feel,” she said, quoting Nelson Mandela: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Reflecting on the event, Mam K said she hopes attendees left with a renewed sense of hope and understanding.
“I want people to understand that it is okay to bleed. It is okay to go through things. It is okay to keep trying, even when you’re not sure if you are truly called,” she said.
“Find a safe space so that you do not continue bleeding without help.”
The Women in Ministry: Chapter 1 gathering highlighted the importance of authenticity in leadership and reinforced a powerful message — that pain does not disqualify purpose, but can shape it.
“My pain will be part of my purpose,” Mam K said.
For more event and seminar information, follow Mam K on all her social media platforms.
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