A Cape Town teacher's dramatic public confession of an alleged five-year extramarital affair with a pastor has sent ripples through the Uniting Reformed Church (URC) in Eersterivier.
Suzette Jansen, a teacher from Rosedale, shocked the congregation three weeks ago when she stood during a service and revealed her alleged relationship with Reverend Eddie Kotze.
Jansen, a member of the Eersterivier congregation, explained her actions this week, stating that she could no longer bear the weight of her secret.
“We all carry things deep inside us that we never talk about – about who we really are. What you do in the dark will be brought to light. It’s time to clean out what we carry deep inside us. Unfortunately, that’s where we first need to start cleaning. It’s time to start talking about those things. It’s difficult,” she explained.
She further elaborated on her motivations, highlighting the desire to break free from a cycle of shame and guilt.
“Your inner self is a place you don’t want to touch, but unfortunately, it’s the only place where we can break the generational curse. Yes, we can pray about it, but it’s also necessary to take drastic action. That’s why I spoke in the church, to open a door for other people, so they can also find the courage to do it,” Jansen said.
Her confession aimed to challenge perceptions and reveal the complexities of human nature within religious settings.
“She says she wants people to realise that things are not always as they seem. Many times you only see a mask behind which things happen, that you know nothing about. It’s time for those masks to fall off. People need to realise that a pastor is not a saint!” Jansen stated.
She emphasised that her intention was not to seek sympathy or smear anyone, but rather to encourage open dialogue and honesty.
“They are ordinary people with flaws, like you and me. It can happen in any workplace, but when it happens in a church, it’s a shock to people because you don’t expect it from the person you regard as your spiritual leader. I’m not looking for sympathy for myself, and the goal is not to smear anyone,” she clarified.
However, Reverend Kotze vehemently denies Jansen’s allegations. He was not present at the service during her confession and claims to have no knowledge of her.
“Kotze, who was not in the church during the service in question, denies Jansen’s allegations and says he does not know her at all,” the report states.
He further criticised Jansen's actions, stating that her interruption of the service was inappropriate.
“It’s not permissible because the service is the place where people come together to serve the Lord. The service and congregation were disrupted by the allegations made. The church council responded, a special meeting was held, and the matter was referred to the presbytery for further investigation. At this stage, I refrain from any comment so that the church process can take its course,” Reverend Kotze stated.
The URC is now formally investigating the allegations. Reverend Anne-Marie Damons, chairperson of the Sarepta Presbytery, confirmed to Rapport that an investigation is underway and that Reverend Kotze has been placed on leave.
“Reverend Anne-Marie Damons, chairperson of the Sarepta Presbytery, confirmed to Rapport that the URC is now investigating the allegations against Kotze, who has since been placed on leave after he and his church council reached an agreement, says Damons,” the report details.
This formal investigation aims to establish the facts of the matter and determine appropriate action.
