When granny fills mom’s shoes: Happy Mother’s Day!
Many grandmothers in society raise their children’s children, and therefore should be celebrated as such on Mother’s Day this Sunday.
POLOKWANE – A combination of warmth and kindness, laughter and love – a person who overlooks your faults, praises your every success and encourages your dreams. This is how many of us would describe our grandmothers.
Many grandmothers in society fulfil the role of mothers, and as we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, we spoke to residents Nadine Roos and Ndivhuwo Chirenga who were both raised by their grandmothers.
Nadine (24) was an infant when she started living with her grandmother, Sarie.
“For a short while during my primary school career I went to live with my mom and stepfather in Cape Town, but I missed my granny too much, so I moved back to Polokwane to live with her.” She says growing up with her grandmother is something she would exchange for nothing. “The best thing about growing up with my grandmother is that there is always unconditional love. She gave me a lot of love and care and assisted me in everything I did, such as cheering me on next to the sports field.”
Nadine says discipline was always a part of her upbringing and it was never a case of being spoiled. “My grandmother taught me perseverance and determination, and I always had to work hard to get to where I am today.” She adds that her grandmother also taught her to always do her own work. “Homework was my own responsibility. Every time I achieved something, my grandmother was there. Christmas and birthday celebrations are good memories too.”
Nadine says her grandmother taught her from a young age to go to church every Sunday. “God should take priority in my life. She taught me what it is to be a Christian through her everyday actions and for her love, I will always be grateful.”
Ndivhuwo’s mother is a teacher and had to move to Johannesburg for work when she was young. Her grandmother, Martha Babadu, then became her primary caregiver.
The 23-year-old Ndivhuwo, who just finished a Bachelor of Administration course, says her grandmother naturally assumed the role of her mother.
“Even before my mother officially moved away, my grandmother was always available to all her grandchildren.” Ndivhuwo grew up in a home with her sisters and cousins, and none of them ever felt they had to compete for their grandmother’s affection. “She always treated us equally. I remember she would drop us off at school, and give us pocket money. Although some of the older children received more money, it was always understandable.” Ndivhuwo said her grandmother used to encourage them to study hard and would make sure to applaud every achievement, which motivated them to compete academically.
“My mother was not just a mother to the family, but to our whole community too. She would give any child a happy home without thinking twice.”
Martha says her grandchildren are like her own children and will always have a home with her: “Regardless of where they are, or what they are doing, I will always be available to all of my babies. The community knows, each and every one of them is welcome in my home.”
Ndivhuwo says she will always be grateful to her grandmother for providing not only shelter, but a happy home too and for and going above and beyond to make sure she has a beautiful life.
