By Sbongile Sokela
On 5 December, the New Creation Movement (NCM) hosted a successful women’s self-defense workshop at the Kwa-Thema Family Skills Center, bringing empowerment, awareness, and practical safety training to the community.
Founded in 2019 by Mmakagisho Moagi, who also serves as CEO, NCM partnered with Risha Patak Harie, Founder of Ilead Self-Defense, for the session. Harie specializes in teaching women self-defense awareness, confidence, and practical safety strategies.
Moagi says the organisation was inspired to launch this workshop after witnessing the growing impact of gender-based violence on women in the community. “We saw the urgent need to empower women not only spiritually and emotionally, but also physically,” she explains. “This workshop is about restoring confidence, teaching practical safety skills, and reminding women that their lives are valuable and worth protecting.”
According to Moagi, self-defense training plays a crucial role in shifting the mindset of women affected by GBV. “It builds confidence, awareness, and emotional strength,” she says. “Women learn to recognize warning signs, set firm boundaries, and respond with courage instead of fear. It changes the mindset from being a victim to becoming empowered and alert.”
One of the biggest challenges women in Kwa-Thema face is fear. “Many women live in constant anxiety due to high crime and GBV rates,” Moagi adds. “This workshop tackles fear, insecurity, lack of knowledge on personal safety, and low self-confidence by giving women tools to defend themselves physically and mentally.”
The training caters to different age groups, with specific techniques taught to girls aged 8–18 and more advanced ones for adult women. “For girls, we focus on awareness, how to escape danger, how to speak out, and basic self-protection,” she explains. “For adult women, training is more advanced and practical. Their situations, strength, and emotional maturity differ, so their training must also differ.”
Beyond the workshop, New Creation Movement continues its mission as a faith-based organisation focused on healing, empowerment, and restoring dignity across all age groups. Since 2019, the movement has offered programs in mental health, GBV awareness, fibroids awareness, leadership development, self-love, health education, and spiritual growth. “Our mission is to build strong, healed, and purpose-driven individuals in our communities,” Moagi says.
Although the self-defense workshop is designed for women, men are encouraged to support the initiative. “Men can attend awareness sessions, volunteer, sponsor programs, spread awareness, and learn how to become protectors and allies against GBV,” she says. “We believe change happens when men and women work together.”
The organisation also ensures emotional safety for participants who may open up about GBV experiences during workshops. “We handle such matters with confidentiality, compassion, and care,” Moagi emphasises. “If a woman chooses to share, she is offered emotional support, counseling referrals, and guidance on professional help. No survivor is judged—only supported.”
The workshop forms part of the global #16DaysofActivism campaign. “We are not only speaking about GBV, but actively equipping women with tools to protect themselves, gain confidence, and stand against abuse,” Moagi notes.
Women in Kwa-Thema can join or support the movement by attending workshops, volunteering, becoming members, or engaging with the organisation online. NCM can be found on Facebook (newcreationrsa), Instagram (ncm_rsa), and TikTok (newcreationrsa).
“New Creation Movement remains committed to building a safer, stronger, and more empowered community where women and girls can live without fear and walk in confidence,” Moagi concludes.
Contact Details:
Phone: 078 178 8406
Email: info@newcreationmovement.co.za
Location: Kwa-Thema, Gauteng
