Durban - It's Mother's Day on Sunday. Well-known South Africans tell Omeshnie Naidoo about their supportive moms.
Lira
Singer/songwriter
Lira, who is also a coach on The Voice SA and has released her sixth album, Born Free, attributes her success to her mom's tough love.
While Buyi Radebe-Lichaba, 60, an insurance product manager at Standard Bank, brought up her daughter the hard way, she spoilt her with her time.
“I grew up in Daveyton in Ekurhuleni, east of Joburg,” says Lira, whose real name is Lerato Molapo-Kohl. “I remember the times my mom would let me bunk school so she and I could hang out together. We would go to town and she would just treat me to all kinds of goodies.”
However, responsibilities and chores were a big part of her upbringing as well.
“When I quit my job to pursue my passion, my mom would give me just R100 to survive the month. When I saw a little money coming in, she began to charge me rent, and I had to contribute towards our housekeeper's wages.
“I am grateful because this taught me a great deal of responsibility. My parents helped just enough to cover the very basics but I had to really work to earn my place under their roof. I think this was very smart.
“My mom was quite strict and tough on me, but I believe township living requires it. I also had to earn my allowance by completing a list of chores. It taught me how to manage my time, and to this day, I live by a strict schedule which ensures I get things done.”
Lira says her mom has always been very health conscious, and the habits she learnt as a child have helped her sustain her demanding schedule these days.
“I have had a great foundation from my parents,” she says.
Leigh-Anne Williams
TV and radio presenter
“Back in high school, a group of girls teased me incessantly about my hairstyle. I decided to change it in the hope that they would leave me alone,” says Williams.
“My mom told me that if I changed myself that day, I would end up changing for other people for the rest of my life.”
Her mom, Denise Williams, who is 55 and also a radio presenter, has been a guiding force in her career.
“I took her advice and didn't change a thing. The teasing continued for a few days but then the girls got bored and chose another victim. I've never forgotten that lesson.
“In this industry you get a lot of criticism, and sometimes it can be so overwhelming that all you want to do is change to whatever people say you should be. But it's better to be true to yourself. There's way more integrity in that.”
She adds: “My mom has been a single parent since I was six years old. Naturally there were many challenging moments, but also some equally memorable ones.
“My mom showed her support recently during one of the biggest opportunities of my life: Strictly Come Dancing Season 8. I had to move to Joburg for four months and struggled immensely on the emotional front as I was alone and without my support structures.
“Two months into the competition, my mom moved up to support me. She was with me every step of the way and I believe that's why I was able to commit myself to the process so wholeheartedly.
“She supports my dreams. We can have the most ridiculous arguments sometimes, but neither of us can stay angry long and then we are back to being besties.
“I want to say to her: Mommy, thank you that I've never had to look far for a role model. You've always been mine. I love you'.”
Katlego Maboe
TV show host
TV personality Katlego Maboe grew up in Potchefstroom, where he says every birthday was special, thanks to his mom, 56-year-old educator and priest Beauty Mampotse Maboe.
“My fondest memories with my mom are my birthdays. She always did everything in her ability to make me feel like the most special little boy in the world on those days,” says Maboe.
“My mom has always been a woman of strong faith and she has made it a cornerstone in my life. Whether in good times or bad times, faith carries me through. My mom gave me that.
“Whenever I am nervous about something and I call her to pray for me, she always says: Just remember that God didn't bring us this far to see us fall. Those words are a great comfort to me.
“My mom has made incredible sacrifices to see that my sister and I live a much better life than she did. She's the most selfless person know, who would give up anything for her children. She has taught me and shown me what unconditional love is.
“Mom has always been passionate about education and discipline. I remember her always saying: First things first... When I wanted to play, I was reminded that there was something more pressing I needed to do, like homework.
“And when I wanted to use my pocket money to buy something that would give me instant gratification, she would urge me to save my money and use it for something worthwhile at a later stage.
“I used to watch her study into the early hours of the morning because she wanted to succeed. Like her, I can be very focused, and when I want to do something, there's very little that can stop me from accomplishing it.”
Zoe Brown
TV and radio presenter
Brown, who appears on SABC3's Expresso Show and on KFM radio station, says she has a super mom. “She can do so many things, from sewing and making clothes to cooking the most delicious food.
“For most of my childhood we lived in Kuils River in the Western Cape, before our family relocated to eManzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal. I was always at my mom's side, tagging along.
“When I studied at Stellenbosch University, she would prepare home-cooked meals (ma-pakkies) for me to store in my freezer. After a varsity break at home, I would return to campus with cooler bags full of frozen home-cooked meals.”
Her mother, 57-year-old Petrusia Fredeline Brown, is a former teacher and is always extremely neat and organised.
“I've definitely inherited mild OCD from mom. I have my clothes colour co-ordinated in my cupboards,” says Brown.
“I wish I could say I am as good a cook, but I'm still in need of a lot of practice. My mom is also practical and strong, and I get my independent nature from her.
“She taught me to have faith, to show respect (most importantly respect myself enough to make the right decisions in life) and to always trust that little voice in my head.
“My mom is the foundation of our household. She keeps us all connected and grounded.”
Tim Moloi
Singer and recording artist
Moloi recently celebrated his 40th birthday with a special Luther Vandross tribute concert called Always & Forever at the Lyric Theatre in Joburg.
“My parents were there and took pride of place in one of the royal boxes,” he says. “I got to publicly thank them for everything they have done for me, and after the show, my mom told me how proud she was of me. It was a very special evening.”
Moloi, who grew up in Orlando East, Soweto, says Christmas time was always special for him as a youngster.
“The holidays were one of the few times of the year our parents could afford to buy us new clothes, so my mom always took us shopping around that time of year, and it was eagerly anticipated.”
He adds: “My mother is a singer and, growing up, I enjoyed watching and listening to her sing at home and in the church group. I guess you could say my love for singing started with her.
“Many family members and friends go to her for advice because she is so trustworthy. I try to emulate her qualities.
“Mom has always been someone I could confide in because she's a great listener. She puts things in perspective with her wisdom and optimistic outlook on life.”
Omeshnie Naidoo, Daily News