A young woman who accused popular Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso of rape - in a case that has captivated South Africa - has launched a foundation aimed at helping women and children who have been victims of sexual assault in “sacred spaces” like churches.

In October, Cheryl Zondi, 22, gave a graphic testimony of the alleged abuse, which she said started when she was 14 years old.

Her steely composure and eloquence during her testimony and cross-examination by the defence lawyers won her the support of many women in the country.

Ms Zondi is one of more than 30 women who were allegedly raped by Mr Omotoso while they were members of his church in Port Elizabeth.

She told a press briefing in Johannesburg that the foundation’s motto was “turning pain into purpose”.

It was going to run awareness campaigns on how families could best help abuse victims when religion was involved, as such cases were even more complex, she said.

Ms Zondi was supported at the launch by the CRL Rights Commission, a constitutional organisation that investigates bogus churches.

Mr Omotoso has pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape. The case will resume next year.