Suzette Jansen, a 56-year-old teacher from Cape Town, South Africa, recently shocked her local church congregation by exposing her six-month secret affair with the married 60-year-old pastor. Suzette, a dedicated church member for 30 years, made the revelation last year and has not returned to the church since then. In an interview with What’s The Jam, she disclosed how the affair began and the consequences of her actions.
Suzette first met the pastor twelve years ago when he joined her local church. Initially not attracted to him due to her focus on caring for her elderly parents, a bond developed as her parents’ health deteriorated. The affair started when the minister asked for her number during one of his visits to her parents’ house and they began meeting in secret. Suzette described their affair as being filled with laughter, intimacy, and expensive outings, with shared costs.
Despite initially believing it was love, Suzette eventually questioned the pastor about other affairs, leading to communication breakdowns and his evasion. Despite several attempts to end the relationship, she found herself unable to resist his messages. After ending the affair in February 2020, they continued to attend church services together, creating awkward situations.
Two years post-affair, during a silent retreat, Suzette found clarity and decided to expose the affair to the church congregation. She believes in removing the mask that elevates ministers to saintly status, acknowledging their humanity. Despite facing backlash and family members distancing themselves, Suzette stands by her choice to speak out for healing and transparency. She understands the implications for the pastor’s job but remains firm in her truth.
Suzette hopes her story will inspire others to speak out and make informed decisions. While acknowledging the pain caused to families, including her daughter and the pastor’s wife, she emphasises the importance of breaking chains of guilt and shame. Her resolve to be open about her experience stems from her belief in addressing hidden truths for the greater good.
Despite potential judgements, Suzette is determined to share her story to encourage others and pave the way for healing. She remains unapologetic about her decision to expose the affair publically, prioritising honesty and self-liberation. Suzette’s courage in confronting a difficult situation serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships, trust, and the importance of facing reality head-on.
In a world where secrets often lead to deeper wounds, Suzette’s story offers a poignant reminder of the power of truth and the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths. Her journey from secrecy to transparency serves as a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative potential of owning one’s truth, no matter the consequences.