I’m overjoyed to share some exciting news!
Today my mom, Bonita Hope Fourie, received a phone call from the Kouga Municipality announcing that she has been selected as one of the Top 5 finalists for the StrongHer International Award. The award ceremony will be taking place this coming Friday!
This initiative celebrates unsung women making real-time impact in their communities—and my mom embodies that in every way.
From launching a ministry school and creative programs, to quietly counselling women through trauma and grief, her work often goes unseen. But the impact? Deep, lasting, and transformational. She’s helped countless women in Jeffrey’s Bay find healing, purpose, and creative expression, all while rebuilding her own life after loss.
Whether through mentorship, painting, prayer, or simply being a listening ear, she gives her time, heart, and wisdom generously.
Seeing her recognized in this way fills me with so much pride. Regardless of the outcome on Friday, I already know: she is StrongHer.
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My Nomination that I sent in for my mother:
Describe briefly what she is doing to create positive change in her community.
Bonita Hope Fourie is mentoring, counselling, and uplifting women of all ages in Jeffrey’s Bay through hands-on ministry, creative expression, and inner healing. Whether it’s through her Thursday women’s group, one-on-one sessions using the SOZO counselling method, or mentoring creatives in writing and painting, Bonita creates a safe, nurturing space for people to find healing, purpose, and renewed identity—especially those recovering from grief, trauma, and loss.
Briefly describe her story. Why does her story matter?
After 30+ years in ministry with her husband, Bonita’s world was turned upside down when he passed away in 2017. As a widow, she faced a painful exile from the very ministry she helped build—many churches simply didn’t make space for women leaders on their own. But instead of giving up, Bonita moved to Jeffrey’s Bay and began again, this time leading from her own story, wisdom, and strength. Her story is one of profound resilience, healing, and hope. It matters because it gives voice to widows, women leaders, and those who feel forgotten or dismissed by traditional systems.
Does her work have the potential to continue making a difference?
Yes
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please explain your reasoning below.
Bonita’s next chapter is already taking shape: she’s writing a book about her widowhood journey and rediscovery of identity. Paired with her original paintings, the book will anchor future workshops, retreats, and community events designed to inspire and uplift women. Her ability to connect deeply through story, creativity, and spiritual mentorship ensures that her work will not only continue—it will expand and multiply its impact in the Kouga area and beyond.
How is her impact being felt in the community right now?
Bonita is actively leading a women’s group at Oase Gemeente, offering weekly support and encouragement to 15 women. Through her SOZO counselling, she is guiding individuals toward healing—some even internationally. In recent years, she has mentored over 10 students through the Jeffrey’s Bay School of Supernatural Ministry and taught more than 25 creatives through writing and painting classes. Her daily presence in the lives of those around her—counselling, praying, listening—makes her a quiet but powerful force of transformation in the Kouga community.
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Bonita embodies what it means to be “StrongHer”: not because she’s never broken, but because she’s rebuilt herself piece by piece—and now helps others do the same. Her devotion is tireless, her story often unseen, but her impact is undeniable. She may not seek the spotlight, but she deserves to be celebrated. This nomination is not the end of her journey—it’s just the beginning of a new legacy.
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LINKS:
Bonita’s work and impact can be seen through several ongoing initiatives and creative projects:
- Jeffrey’s Bay School of Supernatural Ministry (JSSM) – Photos and testimonies from the students she mentored between 2022–2023:
Bonita’s Story: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcxLVCto5Ow/
Students’ Testimonies: https://www.youtube.com/@jssm_southafrica/playlists
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/jssm_southafrica/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075953690452
- The Creative Community – From 2022–2023, Bonita co-ran creative writing and painting classes, helping over 25 local creatives develop their artistic voice. Photos and artworks from these workshops are included in the supporting documents.
First Workshop Promo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfEYRygD-uM/
First Workshop: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfgivrCjwIE/
Second Workshop: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfzC51xDxrs/
- Oase Gemeente Women’s Group – Bonita leads a weekly women’s ministry at Oase Church in Jeffrey’s Bay. The group currently has over 15 women who regularly attend for spiritual growth, counselling, and community.
ENCOUNTER MORNING – HOSTED BY BONITA FOURIE – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bm5QZKbCC/
OASE GEMEENTE PRAATJIE – HOSTED BY BONITA FOURIE – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/171XhsgZjB/
- SOZO Counselling Ministry – Bonita is actively counselling local and international women through the SOZO method, offering inner healing and trauma recovery. These sessions are ongoing and testimonies are available (with confidentiality preserved).
Bethel SOZO South Africa – Bethel SOZO South Africa | Saved, Healed & Delivered
- Upcoming Book & Art Series – Bonita is in the process of writing a memoir and creating a visual art book that pairs her story of widowhood and healing with her original paintings. These artworks, along with the book, will be prepared for exhibitions, retreats, and workshops to come in 2026.
