Happy Mother’s Day! We celebrate this special day with these 4 remarkable women in the entertainment industry who share life lessons from their mothers, and their own journey through motherhood. And, we also hear from their loved ones.
1. Legendary world-renowned musician Sibongile Khumalo 
with her daughter Ayanda Khumalo (33).
A mother’s lesson
Sibongile: My mother, Grace Mngoma, taught me about the importance of friendships and sisterhood. She had a collective of friends who always had her back. Mama had a way of taking care of people in her own quiet, graceful and gracious way. She took after her name. I learnt from her that feeding people, literally and metaphorically, was important and that compassion is everything.
Ayanda: My mother taught me everything there is to learn about believing in myself and being centred.
SEE ALSO: Tshepi Vundla talks motherhood
A mother’s love
Sibongile: My mother inspired me to stay grounded and humble, even in my success. She always wanted to better herself within the means that she had. She was a nurse, and had what I describe as healing hands – what in isiXhosa is referred to as “Umntu omhlophe”. My father respected her, and she knew how powerful she was without flaunting her strength. I know too that mother/daughter affections are real and sacred. My daughter Ayanda is somebody that I trust and depend on, and she gets me.
Ayanda: Observing my mother, what she has achieved and continues to achieve, is inspiring. Seeing her get excited about a new project is heart-warming.
What makes a great mother?
Sibongile: When I think of a great mother, I think of somebody who believes in you and supports you. She is somebody with whom you can have conversations that stay with you, and who loves you, unconditionally. A great mother for me is an equivalent of someone who understands the divine in you, beyond your shortcomings.
Ayanda: A great mother is present, pays attention and is alert. Whether armed with good advice or not, the main thing is being aware and providing that safe landing space.
2. Lebogang Mashile world-renowned poet, presenter and producer
with her mother, Prudence Matima.
A mother’s lesson
Lebogang: My mother taught me how to leave toxic relationships with men. She went through a rough patch when she left my father, and experienced hostility from every side. She taught me that the world’s rejection is a small price to pay for your own peace and sanity.
Prudence: My mother taught me to always count my blessings and to name them one by one. She used to say: “Tlohela buka o ithute motho” (never mind the book, read the person).
SEE ALSO: Cassie talks marriage and motherhood
A mother’s love
Lebogang: When I was a child, my mother spent years studying and working. She’s resourceful; she gets things done. When I start feeling sorry for myself, I try to imagine how she accomplished so much and that keeps me going. Families are held together by women. My mother was raised in part by her powerhouse grandmother, whose energy has survived in all of us as feminists.
Prudence: My mother was a nurse, midwife and HIV/AIDS Counsellor. She was an excellent provider who loved her children and grandchildren. She was a hard worker who taught all of us the power and love of education. She was a God-fearing community worker. Where she found abject poverty, she helped. And, as her only daughter, I helped her knit and crochet baby booties, caps and jerseys for the newborn babies she delivered.
What makes a great mother?
Lebogang: We expect the entire world of mothers, and because ours is a misogynistic society, we applaud men just for showing up. This imbalance is cruel and soul destroying for women. There is no formula for being a great mother. If your child knows that they are loved and have stability and support, then you are doing a great job. I cannot be a good mother unless I am good to myself.
Prudence: A great mother is a woman who loves and provides for her kids and has sympathy and empathy for the world.
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3. Nomsa Mazwai also known as Nomisupasta, singer and general manager of the Soweto Theatre, with her daughter Belede.
A mother’s lesson
I lost my mother when I was seven years old. So, I didn’t have the chance to learn the most important lesson that a mother can teach her child; self-love. Growing up, even though I was outwardly confident, I had a low self-esteem which influenced the decisions that I made. The most important lesson I am learning from motherhood is self-love. I need to love myself completely if I am to give my daughter the kind of love that she deserves.
A mother’s love
A mother’s love is unconditional, unending, inspired and desired. I didn’t know my mother, but God blessed me with older sisters who collectively inspire my goals. Thandiswa inspires me to go for my dreams and to be confident. Ntsiki teaches me to be strong in my own convictions, and Thandeka taught me the importance of independence and continuously reminds me of the power of my mind and endlessness of my abilities. These women have made it possible for me to be the general manager of the most spectacular theatre in Africa, the Soweto Theatre, to be an international singer and to always be thinking of new ways to be a better South African.
What makes a great mother?
A great mother speaks positivity to her children, even through tough love. She educates and is sensitive to her children’s feelings. I was a different person before I fell pregnant. After working in the Eastern Cape on a project that failed because of corruption or poor management, I lost faith in people. While I was unemployed, my music not getting airplay and not getting bookings, I felt despondent and like a failure. At my lowest point, Belede came – this beautiful surprise and a manifestation of love – and I remembered I am here for so much more.
SEE ALSO: Halle Berry talks pregnancy and motherhood
4. Busiswa Gqulu, singer, songwriter and poet with her son, Lakhanya Mlangeni.
A mother’s lesson
My mother was a hard worker, but always made time for us. She was emotionally open, and these are lessons I am bringing into my journey into motherhood. Although I am always busy, I make sure that I’m present for my son when I am home.
A mother’s love
My late mother was a visionary. She was driven and ambitious and I think that is something I take after her. I hope too that my son can adopt that. I want him to know that always challenging yourself and thinking of ways to do more is important.
SEE ALSO: Michelle Obama shares lessons learned from motherhood
What makes a great mother?
She is someone who knows how to support, love and stabilise emotional situations. A great mom is there; beyond feeding and clothing their child. She is a person that you can always count on. This is how I’m hoping it will be between my son and I. I want to be his first point of contact; for both exciting and horrible life experiences. If I am the person that he talks to about anything and without hesitation, then I will feel like a great mother. But, even if he doesn’t talk to me, I will never stop trying to be the best mom.
