Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
MOTHER’S Day being celebrated today is an important date on the calendar, commemorated in many spaces.
While some mothers may have preferred to spend the day being pampered at home or dining out, many instead found themselves shuffling between stationery shops and school uniform traders, as the day coincides with the opening of schools on Tuesday.
Every year, the second Sunday of May is set aside to honour mothers for their role in nurturing, caregiving, and raising children.
While these traditional responsibilities are often underestimated, they form the foundation of a child’s development, as many life lessons are learned during this time. In a display of selflessness and love, countless mothers were seen arm in arm with their children, making last-minute preparations for the school term, rather than being celebrated in restaurants.
Sunday News spoke to several mothers in Bulawayo’s Central Business District yesterday, where they were actively playing provider roles for their children. “It is Mother’s Day tomorrow (today) and I would not have spent it doing anything better than being with my children. Although we are not sitting in a restaurant eating, we are looking for stationery and new jerseys for them as it is now winter. This, to me, brings a lot of satisfaction that I have provided for them, despite the day being about us mothers. Ndiyo motherhood yacho (this is motherhood) — this is what we are being celebrated for,” said Ms Maria Nyamanhindi, a mother of two from Matsheumhlope.
She added that it was more meaningful to send her children to school fully equipped with uniforms and supplies than to receive flowers or enjoy a meal out while her children lacked essentials.
“I am not saying the gesture is bad, but there is greater satisfaction that comes with providing for your children at this critical time when schools open, so that my children do not feel insecure with few books or no tie as school opens. We can always get lunch another day once we’ve provided adequately for school,” she added.
Another parent, Mrs Lilian Mhlanga, said she was spending the day at the salon with her children who needed new hairstyles for the upcoming term.
“I am waiting for them to wash their hair and get fresh styles for school. The holiday is over and they must look kempt for the second term. This gives them confidence when they are among other learners. Why must I look well put together and my children go to school looking messy? As a mother, it is my duty to ensure they are at their best. I will always get a new hairstyle for Mother’s Day at month-end,” she said.
These acts of devotion on a day meant to celebrate mothers are a powerful testament to the unmatched love of a mother.
Gynaecologist Dr Harrison Rambanapasi reflected on motherhood, saying mothers are the heartbeat of society.
“I always tell my patients that being pregnant is a special time, as a woman is caring for the next generation, and it must be treated with all the sacredness it deserves. It is also what holds many marriages and families together. The changes that happen to a woman’s body, her emotions, how she thinks as she prepares for motherhood, are critical, and people must be understanding when they behave differently due to hormones,” he said.
Dr Rambanapasi noted that pregnancy brings great uncertainty, as women worry about the baby’s sex, survival, or potential disabilities, especially if they’ve had a traumatic previous experience. “Pregnant women worry about the sex of the child, survival of the unborn child or even disabilities, especially if they had a previous bad outcome. So, she will always be anxious, even as she goes into labour and is about to carry a baby and be called a mother. A lot rests on her shoulders, making them very important persons in people’s lives,” he said.
He also spoke on how societal expectations around motherhood affect women deeply.
“Motherhood is traditionally a burden borne by women, as society and culture place the blame on a woman if she does not conceive. I encounter many women who blame themselves for not falling pregnant, and it all spirals from societal expectations, which then see such women as being less of a woman. But as a professional, I encourage women not to make childbirth the measure of womanhood. Being a woman is more than being a mother, and they must find peace in that,” he said.
He added that while motherhood may not be a gift for everyone, society must not castigate women who have not managed to conceive, as it can lead to anxiety, depression, or even suicide.
“Fertility treatments are expensive, and when women fail to conceive, society must not blame them but understand that fertility issues can affect both men and women,” said Dr Rambanapasi. Reverend Newman Kolobe, a pastor at the Baptist Church and a board member of Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home in Bulawayo, also acknowledged the invaluable role mothers play. “Mothers are important people. To me, motherhood starts at conception. It is a big task to carry a person for nine months in the womb. When people say makorokoto/amhlophe (congratulations) for giving birth, treasure those words – it is an honour that must be appreciated time and time again. Mothers take on the role of caring for the baby by eating right during pregnancy and resting, as that nourishment is passed to the unborn baby, giving it life,” he said.
Rev Kolobe added that the role of nurturing continues long after birth, with mothers teaching their children language, life skills, and good habits.
This, he said, should be appreciated not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, mothers in waiting, and all those playing a motherly role in someone’s life. @NyembeziMu
