Charlotte Sibanyoni: Becoming the first Black woman NG Kerk Reverend
From a children's home to the pulpit, Charlotte Sibanyoni became the first Black woman ordained in the Dutch Reformed Church. Now completing her PhD in Hebrew in Norway, she shares her remarkable journey on 'Good Morning Angels: The Legacy'.
In 2012, Charlotte Sibanyoni was a matriculant. She lived in a children's home for a few years, and then in a back room, as her mother was unable to care for her.
READ: Sharlene Coopoosammy: Survivor walks again after bus accident
In 2012, Dutch Reformed Church minister Ds. Johan van Niekerk and his wife, Rina, gave Charlotte a home to provide her with more stability during her matric year. During this time, Good Morning Angels received an email from Charlotte's friend, Nicole, asking for bursary assistance for the next year on her behalf.
READ: The Liebenberg Triplets: From IVF to a house full of sons
We sent the letter to a UP professor, who wanted to sponsor a student, and she chose Charlotte.
Charlotte made the unexpected choice to study Theology, because she wanted to do for others as she had received.
Through hard work and determination, Charlotte smashed her studies and in 2017 was ordained as a Minister in the Dutch Reformed Church - the first Black woman to do so!
READ: Lordwick Kgatle: From dustbin digger to manager
She is now well on her way to becoming the first Black female PhD in Hebrew.
In this episode of 'Good Morning Angels: The Legacy', Charlotte Sibanyoni tells her extraordinary story from Norway, where she is currently completing her PhD in Hebrew.
Listen to the full 'Good Morning Angels – The Legacy Podcast' below:
Good Morning Angels: The Legacy
Good Morning Angels: The Legacy will revisit some of the people who have benefited from the kindness of strangers since 2005.
They will share, in their own voices, how that moment of light impacted their lives in the most beautiful, sometimes unexpected, and inspiring ways.
Tune in every Monday morning at 08:10 on Breakfast with Martin Bester to hear the Good Morning Angels story—a celebration of 20 years of changed lives, in the voices of those who are living it.
And tune in every Wednesday morning, as we continue to change lives for good.
Listen to the full Good Morning Angels – The Legacy Podcast below: