Bible scholar turned author Nthabeleng Mokitimi-Dlamini marked a significant milestone last Saturday with the launch of her inspirational book, This Wasn’t the Plan, in Maseru.
The event, held at Lake Cookhouse, was preceded by a commissioning service for her Marketplace Ministry, setting the tone for a day rooted in faith, healing, and empowerment.
Together, the two occasions reflected Mokitimi-Dlamini’s mission to support women navigating the emotional and practical realities of separation and divorce.
Structured as a guide through the journey of healing, the book is divided into chapters that mirror the different stages many women experience.
Themes such as “Boundaries are Necessary,” “The Triggers,” and “The Detox” were not only discussed but also visually represented at the launch, offering attendees a tangible sense of the book’s progression.
Through these chapters, Mokitimi-Dlamini addresses the complexities of confronting pain, setting healthy boundaries, and releasing past hurt. The approach positions the book as both a deeply personal narrative and a practical manual for women seeking restoration and renewed strength.
Speaking at the launch, Mokitimi-Dlamini shared that the book was born out of her own lived experience during a difficult period in her life.
“This wasn’t just a book I wanted to write, it became the book I needed,” she said. “I realised that the material available was either overly spiritual without practical application, or practical without acknowledging God as the source.”
She explained that her journey required drawing strength from her faith in God, describing it as both a challenging and transformative process. The book, she said, reflects that balance between spiritual grounding and actionable steps.
Central to her message is the importance of intentional parenting, particularly in single-parent or co-parenting situations. Mokitimi-Dlamini emphasised that children should not bear the emotional consequences of broken relationships.
“Bitterness is a thief,” she noted. “You cannot allow it to shape how you raise your children. As parents, our first ministry is stewardship over the lives entrusted to us.”
She also highlighted the need for women to establish clear boundaries, a lesson she admitted learning through personal struggle.
“For a long time, I associated boundaries with being unchristian,” she said. “But I came to understand that boundaries are necessary, and they must be set early and clearly.”
The author did not shy away from sharing some of the most painful moments that informed her writing, including the emotional experience of returning home to find her life had unexpectedly changed.
“You mourn a life that is still alive,” she said, describing the moment she realised her relationship had ended. “Writing those parts meant reliving them, but it was necessary to ensure the book is honest and not superficial.”
Beyond emotional healing, Mokitimi-Dlamini also underscored the importance of legal awareness, encouraging women to understand and assert their rights in co-parenting and financial responsibilities.
Looking ahead, she expressed a vision that extends beyond individual readers to broader societal transformation.
“I want to meet a generation of women who are healed, confident, and thriving in healthy co-parenting relationships,” she said. “If women can move from bitterness to restoration, then we can raise children who will positively shape society.”
Lesotho-born actress Liteboho Molise, who attended the launch and was the MC, praised Mokitimi-Dlamini’s courage and resilience.
“It takes courage, strength, and guts,” Molise said. “These are the ingredients she brought together to create this book.”
Mokitimi-Dlamini revealed that the book is only the beginning of a broader ministry initiative, which will include workshops, conferences, and a companion workbook aimed at providing practical tools for women on their healing journey.
“This book is a companion. Even for me, there are moments when I return to it for guidance,” she said.
Summary
- The event, held at Lake Cookhouse, was preceded by a commissioning service for her Marketplace Ministry, setting the tone for a day rooted in faith, healing, and empowerment.
- “This wasn’t just a book I wanted to write, it became the book I needed,” she said.
- Mokitimi-Dlamini revealed that the book is only the beginning of a broader ministry initiative, which will include workshops, conferences, and a companion workbook aimed at providing practical tools for women on their healing journey.

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