Article source: JOY! Magazine
At the age of 15, Mmathabo Sukati’s innocence was abruptly ended when she was forced into an arranged marriage. What should have been a time of joyful exploration and schoolgirl aspirations turned into a struggle for survival.
Identity rooted in Christ
In her book, Sukati reveals the suffering, resilience, and eventual victory of a young girl who refused to let captivity dictate her identity. More importantly, her story is a testimony to the power of faith in the living God. Throughout her journey, she held onto the promise of Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Her narrative is both deeply personal and widely relatable, amplifying the voices of countless women and girls who have been silenced by cultural traditions, gender inequality, and abuse. She has become a voice for the voiceless.
A childhood interrupted
Growing up in the small town of Sabie, Mpumalanga, Mmathabo was intelligent and ambitious. She dreamt of becoming a medical doctor. But a dubious prophecy and rigid tradition forced her into marriage while she was still a young teenager. The title of “wife” was not a choice but a punishment, ushering her into obligations and pain far too heavy for a child to carry. Her book describes the isolation of those years: the muted cries, robbed innocence, and shadow of hopelessness. Yet even in those bleakest moments, a flicker of hope remained, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Faith as a lifeline
What carried Sukati through was her steadfast faith in God. Even when human systems failed her, she believed His Word. Scriptures such as Psalm 23 became lifelines, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want … He restores my soul” (Psa 23:1-3). She also clung to Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” “I used to visualise being under God’s wings and see myself hidden in Him,” she shares. “That gave me strength to fight.”
Hope in Christ
Her story shows that faith does not mean the absence of hardship, but the presence of hope. As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you … I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Breaking the silence
What makes The Child Bride powerful is Sukati’s courage to expose the harsh realities of child marriage. It is not a distant issue but an everyday experience for millions of girls worldwide. By sharing her story, she not only reclaims her own voice but also speaks for others. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Her testimony shows how such practices strip girls of education, dignity, and security – but also that resilience, faith, and courage can bring change.
The importance of forgiveness
For Mmathabo, forgiveness was vital. She explains: “This helped me focus on my goals to study so I could be financially independent. But it also helped me regain my emotional freedom. Forgiving was mainly for me more than the people who wronged me. It was about me releasing myself from the situation so I could focus on my future.” Forgiveness released her from bitterness and opened the way for joy and wholeness. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:14-15 guided her, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
From boardrooms to advocacy
Despite her beginnings, Mmathabo pursued education, became a chartered accountant, and rose to executive positions in respected companies. But her goals were never only personal. Today, she uses her influence to champion the rights of women and girls, creating spaces where survivors of abuse can find their voices. Like Esther, she has stepped forward “for such a time as this” (Est 4:14).
The courage to share
Writing The Child Bride was part of her healing. Revisiting chapters of despair and suicidal thoughts was not easy, yet through it she found release – and the ability to use her scars to bring hope to others. Romans 8:28 became her anchor, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” She writes, “I want girls to know they are not alone. God is with them always and He loves them. Their dreams are valid and their voices matter.”
A call to action
Her story is a call for change – to governments, communities, and churches, to confront harmful traditions and protect the vulnerable. It is also a challenge to men to become allies, protectors, and advocates, echoing Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” “I want men to know that girls have dreams, goals, and aspirations too,” she says. “They need to be protected from these unjust practices so they can be who God called them to be.” Her testimony is ultimately one of courage, compassion, and faith in God’s unfailing love.
This article is featured in the November issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 19/10/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
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