POLOKWANE – Mother of the city, mayor Thembi Nkadimeng, will celebrate Mother’s Day for the first time on Sunday since becoming mayor.
Mother’s Day is a modern celebration honouring one’s own mother, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society.
Review speaks to Nkadimeng to learn more about motherhood and how she manages to juggle both her tight work schedule and family life.
Nkadimeng explains that she survived for this long thanks to the warmth she gets from Polokwane residents.
She says residents in the province are very warm and receptive.
Asked about motherhood, Nkadimeng says: “all women can be mothers, but to be the best mother one needs guidance from the elders. I was guided by other mothers to be where I am today and I am still grateful for the support they showed me over the years. Women should be truthful and supportive to be the best mothers. They should communicate with their children and also be good listeners”.
She adds that she sometimes struggles to create balance between her work schedule and family, but she always makes sure there is enough time to spend with her family.
“My family understands that I am a busy bee and they do not quarrel when I do not spend much time with them. Mothers should give their children support and tell them what needs to be told to face life with a smile,” adds Nkadimeng.
She says her late grandmother is the one who guided her through her motherhood.
She further says her grandmother was a hard worker and managed to raise many children from the money she earned working as a domestic worker.
“My grandmother is my role model and I still thank her for laying a solid foundation. I still remember her prayers vividly. She was a great Christian and raised all her children and grandchildren very well,” she says.
She adds that mothers should not replace true love by bribing their children with fancy “thingamajigs”, and nothing can replace a mother’s love.
Asked about her take on teenage pregnancies and mothers, Nkadimeng says a girl child does not qualify to be a mother.
“On Monday, I was in the same elevator with a young girl holding a three-month-old child and that touched me. I set the record straight with her. It is unacceptable for a girl child to be a mother. Teenage pregnancy is not a mistake and young girls should not try to hide behind that,” Nkadimeng says.
