Godparents are just as important as biological parents, says mother (29)
Review spoke to a 29-year-old mother and godmother, Mokgadi Makwala from Ivy Park, who spoke about her role as a godmother as well as if she thinks godparents are necessary in modern times.
POLOKWANE – There is no universally agreed upon definition for the term godparent or godmother, however the concept constitutes to a person who either through self volunteering or being asked by a biological parent care for a child as one of their own.
The roles and duties of a godparent or godmother are similar to those of a biological parent, only when legalities are dealt with can a godparent have full rights in terms of the child’s well being such as signing of documents and giving consent where necessary, then a godparent can and is allowed to carry out such duties and responsibilities.
Review spoke to a 29-year-old mother and godmother, Mokgadi Makwala from Ivy Park, who spoke about her role as a godmother as well as if she thinks godparents are necessary in modern times.
“My child is turning three in July and yes she has a godparent. We do not have such in my culture, a godmother to us constitutes an aunt, a sister who steps in to help look after a child that is not biologically theirs. Usually such a person is present during the child’s first baptism as a witness and that is where it is legally clarified that the witness present at the baptism is the child’s official godparent/mother. I am a godmother myself and I see myself as parent to my nephew who I look after at times when my sister is not around, he also sometimes calls me mom, which is very sweet and heart warning,” she explained.
She adds that godmothers are just as important as biological mothers as they play similar roles to those of parents.
Mokgadi encourages all women, to take upon themselves to see all children as one of their own. “They are innocent little souls who need to be loved and cared for.”
