Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Social

Holy matrimony society which mainly exists for the edification and strengthening of marriages, has over the weekend preceding Christmas treated member couples to a magnificent experience of soul-searching and soul-soothing at one of Botswana’s closest-to-nature environs of Kwa Nokeng Resort in the Tswapong area.

Themed; Rediscovering Love in Nature, the event was more than just a getaway; but a journey back to the roots of love and connection, inspired by the biblical concept of Adam and Eve - a story of marriage beginning in a garden, symbolising the purest union between humanity and nature.

The secluded nature of the venue provided a good atmosphere for marriage rejuvenation amidst the attacks that today’s families face, most of which end up defeating the ‘till death do us part’ part of the wedding vows.

Why This Retreat?

 “Marriage is a sacred bond, yet it is often tested by the stresses of daily life. I envisioned this retreat as a sanctuary where couples could step away from the noise and distractions, reconnecting not only with their partners, but also with the natural world. The story of Adam and Eve reminds us that love began in harmony with nature, where humanity first experienced companionship, growth, and partnership. By choosing Kwa Nokeng Lodge, nestled in a tranquil natural setting, we sought to recreate that atmosphere of simplicity and connection, fostering a space where love could flourish anew,” said Dr Charity Opelo, the co-founder and president of HMS, whom upon getting married in 2018, burdened herself with the task of saving fellow wedded couples from the torments bedevilling marriages in Botswana.

The Significance of a Natural Environment

Nature has an unparalleled ability to inspire peace and reflection. The rustling trees, flowing river, and open skies of Kwa Nokeng Lodge offered the perfect backdrop for couples to rediscover the essence of their union. Just as the garden was the foundation of Adam and Eve’s relationship, we aimed to show our couples the profound relationship between humanity and nature. The natural environment encouraged a sense of grounding, reminding us that marriage, like nature, requires nurturing, patience, and care.

The line-up of activities, which included seminars, team building, laughter-filled recreational games, wife vs husband competitions, black tie dinner characterised by gift exchange and renewal of vows, were spread across three days and three nights, during which couples maximised on tightening whichever ends could have gone lose during the hassles and bustles of the hectic year 2024 they are now leaving behind.

“This retreat was just one of many steps in our journey to empower couples to build relationships that are not only enduring, but also fulfilling. By continually drawing inspiration from biblical principles and the wisdom of nature, we hope to guide couples towards lives filled with love, unity, and purpose, Dr Opelo said, expressing satisfaction that ‘Kwa Nokeng reminded us that sometimes, to move forward, we need to go back to nature, back to simplicity, and back to the essence of love. Just as Adam and Eve found their beginning in a botanical garden, so too can every couple rediscover their connection in the embrace of nature’.

The brain behind the concept

Dr Opelo, who co-founded the then Why Did I Get Married society (now Holy Matrimony Society) with husband Opelo Baleseng, is a marriage officer, certified marriage counsellor, author, humanitarian and gender-based violence activist, whose latest achievement was receiving the prestigious The African Woman award in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November.

“We wish to extend our sincerest complements to you for being selected as one of the 100 MOST INFLUENCIAL WOMEN IN AFRICA. This prestigious international award indelibly confirms your status as a member of the elite group of African Top Female icons (SHE ACHIEVERS NETWORK), reads the letter inviting her to participate at the PAN AFRICAN WOMEN CONFERENCE, where the awards were held.

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