Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
THE outpouring of love was evident in Bulawayo and other parts of the country yesterday as families celebrated their mothers’ lives.
Mothers gathered at different venues for Mother’s Day celebrations across the country.
At some gatherings the mothers were treated to good music, art, food and drinks while some children expressed the appreciation of their mothers on social media platforms.
Some mothers received gifts including flowers, chocolates and other such gifts.
A Chronicle news crew visited several venues across the city where special Mother’s Day events were held.
At Bhimi Homes in Burnside suburb, a high tea event for mothers and daughters was held to cement the bond between mothers and their daughters.
For Gogo Khanye (89), Mother’s Day was a special one as she spent time with her daughter Mrs Molly Malunga (73).
Gogo Khanye said it was a blessing for her to be still alive for such a long time and experience a strong bond between herself and her children.
She said it made her happy to be spoiled by her children and grandchildren at her old age.
“Up to now all my children respect me and listen to me. That alone is the best mother’s day gift anyone could ask for. I am happy they all took me out on this day and I was pampered with massages and good music,” said Gogo Khanye.
Her daughter, Mrs Malunga, said it was nice to have someone she could call mother despite her old age. She urged children to appreciate their mothers, especially the elderly.
It is rare for mother-in-laws and daughter-in-law to have a good relationship but Mrs Sheilah Chinhamo, is breaking the stereotypes.
She brought along her daughter-in- law Mrs Belinda Chinhamo who said when she got married, she found a new mother.
“I am very happy I attended this event with my mother-in-law. It made the event very special because it’s a reminder that mothers-in-law can be best friends.
More than 20 mothers gathered at Vimbai’s Cuisine at the Hillside Conservancy Dams where their children treated them to a recreational and relaxing paint and sip event before wrapping up the event with lunch.
Mrs Nozibusiso Sivalo said she was happy to have attended the painting section because it gave her time to relax and reflect on the good memories of motherhood.
She said the event was more special because there were different age groups of mothers so it became a learning session for both the old and young mothers.
“Motherhood is very special to me as a woman because I am both a daughter and a mother. It’s time for me to reflect on the good days spent as I grew and the good ones I am now having with my children,” said Mrs Sivalo.
Another woman who attended the session, Mrs Pangisile Matikiti (63), said she was now a grandmother hence celebrating Mother’s Day in such a chilled environment was a reminder of the journey she had travelled to raise her children.
She said Mother’s Day was very special for someone her age as it reminds her of the teachings she got from her own mother and the ones she is now sharing with children and grandchildren.
While the events allowed families to appreciate the mother’s love, it also created business for players in the hospitality industry.
One of the organisers, Sherine Taylov who runs Vimbai’s Cuisine said they decided to do something unique and chilled for the special women on their special day.
“This is a day for mothers to rest and reflect on the good work they are doing or did to raise their children,” she said. — @flora_sibanda
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