Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday Life Reporter
AWARD-winning musician and Bulawayo Ward 20 councillor Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi is widely known for her electrifying stage presence, but beyond the spotlight lies a deeper calling, one of motherhood that stretches far beyond her biological children.
As the world marks Mother’s Day, Ndebele-Sibindi, affectionately known as Sandy, stands out as a nurturing force, not just to her three children, but to an entire community that looks to her for guidance, support, and inspiration. In her world, motherhood is not limited by biology, it is defined by impact.
In an exclusive Mother’s Day interview with Sunday Life, Sandy opened up about what motherhood truly means to her.
“I’m a mother of many. I’m a mother to the community I serve in Ward 20 in Nkulumane. I’m also a biological mother to three beautiful children – two boys, Nkanyiso and Bayanda, and a girl, Zinhle. Beyond that, I’m a mother to many young girls who look at me and say, ‘One day, I want to be like her.’
“As a councillor, I see myself as a mother to every child in my community. It’s my responsibility to care for their needs and help create an environment where they can thrive. So while I’m biologically a mother of three, my role as a mother extends far beyond that,” she said.
Her nurturing spirit is evident in the many lives she has touched over the years. They are so many that naming them individually becomes a challenge. One of her most impactful initiatives dates back to 2009, when she founded Intombi Zomqangala, an all-female arts group aimed at empowering young women through music and dance.
“In the arts industry, I started a platform called Intombi Zomqa-ngala, a space dedicated to nurturing young girls and emphasising that talent has no gender. Nothing should stop the girl child from pursuing her passion, whether it’s playing drums, singing, dancing, or mastering musical instruments.
“As a mother in the arts, I took it upon myself to guide young girls so they can thrive in their chosen paths, keeping them off the streets and reducing their vulnerability by empowering them through art as a source of income,” she said.
“Through this platform, I’ve mentored many young girls, some of whom have grown into notable brands, such as Thandy Dhlana.”
Through this initiative, she has helped shape the careers of several female artistes, including Novuyo Seagirl, Qeqe Mntambo, and Thandy Dhlana. The platform has also opened international opportunities, with beneficiaries performing in countries such as Russia, England, and Dubai.
Sandy has also helped uplift male artistes, including Mzoe7, who is now well-travelled and securing numerous gigs and endorsement deals, among those she highlighted. She said he took after her in the way he accepts guidance, listens to advice, and responds constructively to both criticism and feedback.
“Mzoe7 is one of those artistes who listened. This is why he is where he is today. Most up-and-coming artistes tend to outgrow their brands as individuals, and that affects them negatively. The idea is to build a brand that is bigger than you as an individual. Mzoe7 understood and applied this very well, which is why he is where he is today,” she said.
Through her Sanditainment entertainment label which hosts her Denim and Pearls mega birthday bash, Sandy is continuing to open doors for young creatives, offering free recording sessions to gifted artistes.
Beyond the arts, Sandy’s maternal reach extends into her community through the Sandra Ndebele Trust, where she has taken on the responsibility of supporting vulnerable children, including paying school fees and helping others access employment opportunities.
“I have people that I pay school fees for, some who’ve graduated and are working. Some I’ve helped facilitate jobs for and taken others back to school. This is why I say I’m a mother of many in this regard.”
For her, the goal is simple, to raise a generation that will one day uplift others, just as they were uplifted.
At the heart of her approach to motherhood lies the influence of her own mother, a woman she once viewed as strict, but now deeply understands.
“I remember the first song I sang, Mama, with the lyrics ‘mama we mama, lisnike ithuba’ (mum, please give us a chance). I composed it with my mother in mind, questioning why she didn’t allow us to fully pursue our dreams. At the time, I felt she was too strict and was holding me back.
“But now that I’m a mother, I understand that she was protecting me from the world and wanted the very best for me. Everything she did came from a place of love. When I reflect on how she raised me, I see the importance of being protective of my own children. The truth is, you only fully understand motherhood once you experience it,” she said.
That realisation has shaped her own parenting style, one she admits is even more protective, especially when it comes to her daughter.
“I think my mum was actually better than me because she allowed me to use public transport. For me, it’s difficult to let my daughter board kombis on her own, I feel I have to drop her off myself. I think this idea that parents are ‘too strict’ often comes before you become one and truly understand the responsibility. It’s simply a natural expression of love.”
She encouraged young mothers to be intentional about their lives and choices. She also believes raising a strong generation is a shared responsibility, calling on women to play an active role in shaping the future.
“Life is what you make it. I encourage young women to develop a life strategy that will guide them with dignity. I listened to my parents and mentors, and the lessons I learnt have shaped me into the mother I am today. After giving birth, I told myself I don’t want to stop making music because it is my first love.”
Her dual role as a councillor and musician, she says, works hand in hand.
“My role as a councillor is to serve people, while my role as a musician is to entertain them, but both are ultimately about connecting with people. I use my brand, Sandra Ndebele, as a platform to serve my community. Through these connections, we’ve been able to attract support, including initiatives like drilling boreholes in the areas I represent,” she said.
Balancing motherhood with a demanding career in music, politics, and business is no easy feat, but Sandy draws strength from faith and teamwork.
“I often say I might be that woman the Bible speaks of, the virtuous woman in the book of Proverbs. When you look back, you sometimes wonder if it’s really you who has managed to do all those things. I believe in the power of working together, which is why I give credit to my team for helping me balance my many roles.
“Even when I’m not physically present, my team ensures everything runs smoothly as a true reflection of me,” she said.
To mark Mother’s Day, Sandy will host a luncheon for mothers in Ward 20 and present them with food hampers, a gesture that reflects her belief in celebrating and uplifting women. For her, Mother’s Day is more than a celebration, it is a reflection of purpose.
“Mother’s Day to me, signifies a personal blend of appreciation, reflection, and celebration of the nurturing role I play in my family and community. It’s a time to feel recognised for the unconditional love and sacrifices I’ve made to improve the lives of those I’ve groomed and nurtured.”
