From grief to giving: Mandeni widow builds community of compassion

WHAT began as a personal journey through heartbreak has grown into a movement of compassion, community support, and resilience led by 50-year-old Mandeni resident, admin clerk and author Verushka Solomon.

Solomon, who has been involved in church and community work “for as long as I can remember,” recently gained international recognition when she received an unexpected email from Kelly Markey, the founder and global director of Beacon of Hope Mission in Australia.

The organisation recently presented Solomon with the Resilient Leader award for amplifying the message of faith, courage, and new beginnings by helping others transition from seasons of grief to renewed purpose.

“I was deeply honoured and humbled to have been chosen to receive such an award," said Solomon. 

"The award is more than recognition. It is a symbol of love, resilience and faith. It reminds me of the purpose God has placed in my heart: to love, to care, to make a difference. To be a beacon of hope in my community.”

Solomon formally channelled her passion for helping others into action in January 2025 when she founded the Widows Circle of Strength, a support group for women navigating life after loss.

“Life as a widow can be full of grief, pain and loneliness. But through this we also find strength, courage and independence. We grieve with hope and faith. In creating this group, I've made a community of people who understand everything we have all been through. We have bonded over our losses, and we have built friendships.”

Her work is not limited to Mandeni. Solomon is also a member of White Flowers, a widows’ group in Stanger started by her friend, who endured the heartbreaking loss of her 20-year-old son and later her husband. 

In addition, Solomon is active in a local women’s non-profit group that meets monthly to cook, feed, and distribute food hampers to those in need.

Solomon lost her husband four years ago, a turning point that deepened her passion for service. Together with her children, Delano and Raecal, she began doing charitable acts in his memory, from feeding at orphanages to sharing grocery hampers.

“My husband and I faced a lot of challenges as a family. We lost our house, car and jewellery, and my husband was retrenched." 

Although the family regained the material possessions they lost, Solomon said a loss of a loved one could never be restored.

“Everything that I lost was replaced. But losing my husband could never be replaced. When you lose someone you love, you cannot get them back. You realise how short life really is.”

She admits it would have been easy to isolate herself, but instead she chose compassion.

“I had to pick myself up. And I started by doing everyday little acts of kindness. Showing love to others.”

Recently, Solomon and her support groups prepared meals for senior citizens, an event she described as uplifting.

“Seeing everyone of different cultures coming together; singing, dancing and laughing, was beautiful,” she said.

Solomon encourages young people to engage in community work.

“Young people can volunteer to support any cause they are passionate about. It is something they will never regret. Helping a community is an opportunity to grow as a person and to understand how you fit into the world around you.”

She reminds them that service does not require qualifications.

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You do not have to have a college degree. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

Solomon hopes to see more structured support systems in Mandeni.

“I would like more support groups being formed: grief support, suicide awareness, help for grieving parents, marriage help and support, and youth groups for young people.”

She also dreams of securing professional assistance for her community.

“I would like to get qualified counsellors at least once a month to speak to those that are hurting. And I’d love to host free workshops and free blood-pressure checks for the elderly on a monthly basis,” said Solomon. 

The POST