Mother's Day gifts: South African moms reveal top picks
Mother's Day gifts are top of mind this weekend. This Sunday, 11 May, marks Mother's Day and South Africans are looking for the perfect gift for their moms. But what do South African mothers really want?
Shopping malls across the country are displaying the usual array of flowers, chocolates and pink accessories ahead of Mother's Day. In one Cape Town shopping centre, The South African asked moms what they think makes a good gift.
'Anything that involves pampering like a facial or a massage,' says mother-of-three Lauren, 37. 'Of course, that's after spending time with my family.'
The best Mother's Day gift she ever got? A ring holder her daughter made her, as well as her kids 'being kind to me and appreciative.'
Delia, who has a 20-year-old child, says, 'For me it's not about the gift or how big the gift is; it's about the meaning of the gift.' She loves flowers because they symbolise growth and because she enjoys nature.
Shamima, 41, says her teenage daughter took a unique approach and simply gave her money to choose her own present. She plans to buy herself clothes.
'It's better that way because you know what you want,' Shamima says. 'She's made me the proudest mother because of this gift.'
Jade, 21, reveals which presents have gone down well with her mother. 'Comfy things like gowns, slippers,' she says. She once bought her mom a brand of chocolate that she liked, but her mother didn't enjoy it. 'It needs to be the right chocolate.'
Jade adds, 'Maybe something they need. If they're lacking something, get it for them for Mother's Day.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Kurt Egelhof unveils bold new book series
Renowned South African actor, director, playwright, and producer Kurt Egelhof, a staple of local film, theatre, and television since the early 1980s, is making waves in the literary world with the launch of his debut book collection. Egelhof hosted a special book launch at Theatre on the Square in Sandton on May 29, unveiling four compelling works that reflect his decades-long dedication to storytelling rooted in socio-political truth and personal experience. A drama graduate from the University of Natal and a professional actor since 1981, Egelhof is widely recognised for his roles in films such as Ghost and the Darkness, The Last Victims, Zulu Love Letters, and Windprints. Also read: Vibrant festivities illuminate Grayston Preparatory with colour, food, and film Behind the scenes, he has directed more than 250 episodes of popular local dramas and soaps, including Isidingo, Scandal, and Backstage. Now, Egelhof turns the lens inward with his literary project: From Stage to Page. The collection consists of four books, The Adventure Boys, The Palace of Broken Dreams, The Accidental Death of a Good Coloured Man, and Man Overboard, each examining poignant themes through distinct yet interconnected narratives. 'These stories have lived in me for decades. They are fictional, but they are born out of real experiences, my own, and those I have witnessed. This is my attempt to honour memory, provoke thought, and keep the dialogue going about identity, opportunity, and the many faces of injustice in our country and beyond.' Also read: Castle Lager rallies behind Proteas for historic Lord's final The Adventure Boys is inspired by a tragic event Egelhof witnessed in his youth, a reflection on innocence lost and the hard lessons of early life. The Palace of Broken Dreams interrogates the intersection of race, privilege, and artistic talent in post-apartheid South Africa. The Accidental Death of a Good Coloured Man builds on Egelhof's acclaimed stage production, examining racial identity, generational trauma, and the pursuit of legacy. Man Overboard offers a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse into life aboard luxury cruise ships, contrasting the glamour experienced by passengers with the harsh realities of the crew. Though each book stands alone, together they trace the life journey of a central character from the age of 16 to 60, mirroring, in many ways, Egelhof's evolution as an artist and activist. Read more: Minister Gwarube champions early literacy in AVBOB's campaign 'All four titles are currently available for digital download via and in hard copy on Amazon, both locally and internationally.' He said that in a time when South African stories were more vital than ever, his voice stood as a testament to resilience, artistry, and truth. 'We tell stories not to escape reality, but to better understand it.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
How K. O remains a dominant force in South African hip-hop
South African rapper Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli is gearing up for the release of his highly-anticipated album titled 'Phara City', on June 13, 2025. Image: Supplied It may spark debate, but renowned rapper Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli continues to prove why he remains one of South Africa's best artists. With a career spanning nearly two decades, K.O has maintained a strong and relevant presence in the entertainment industry. From his early days as part of the hip-hop group Teargas to his successful solo career and business ventures, K.O has consistently stayed at the heart of South African culture. At the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards held in Mpumalanga, K.O walked away with the award for Best Hip Hop Song for his hit single "Too Much" featuring Nasty C. He took to the stage twice, once during the main awards show and again at the festival after-party concert, where his performance celebrated his win and journey. 'You need to constantly be evolving and making sure that you stay ahead of the curve and try to stay up to date with everything that is playing out within the field,' he told IOL when asked about the secret to his longevity. At his core, K.O is a strategic businessman who understands the importance of partnerships, networking, and aligning with the right brands to ensure survival in the cutthroat music industry. Under his belt is Skhanda World, a successful record label, clothing line, and lifestyle company. He has also secured partnerships with brands such as Martell, World Sports Betting, Volvo, and Fibertime. 'It's not just about a good deal in terms of money. I go where my value is appreciated and where partnerships make the most sense,' he emphasized. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ K.O makes calculated decisions when considering collaborations, always ensuring brand alignment and a clear understanding of the product. Growing up in a disadvantaged area in Mpumalanga, K.O understands the challenges of limited access to resources such as high-performance internet. Through his partnership with Fibertime, he is helping to drive a game-changing fibre solution designed specifically for townships. 'We've visited some of these communities, like when I was in Gugulethu, talking to customers and hearing their stories. 'It's little things like that which matter, where we're trying to make life easier for people who don't have the same access and privileges,' he explained. At the age of 44, K.O serves as an inspiration to many young South Africans, who see him as a role model. 'If you are setting a great example and consciously striving to uplift others, that energy and influence rub off positively on people. 'I'm all about positivity and making a meaningful impact in the community. That's something I'm now consciously committed to doing right,' he said. On June 13, K.O will release his fifth studio album, "Phara City" a project he promises longtime fans will appreciate as a return to his signature sound. The rapper is keenly aware of evolving listening patterns and the oversaturation of music available to audiences today. He revealed that "Phara City" took more than a year to craft carefully, creating timeless moments that will give the album a lasting impact. K.O is excited for fans to experience this body of work, which also serves as social commentary on life in South Africa, even though he typically steers clear of overt political statements. For the album's rollout, K.O took to the streets to hear the real-life stories of people often labeled as 'Iphara', a township slang term for junkies or drug addicts.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Will 3-Step become the new sound of Mzansi, overshadowing Amapiano?
With chart-topping hits, Jazzworx and Thukuthela are making waves, prompting fans to wonder if their sound, predominantly referred to as 3-Step, could signal the end of Amapiano's reign. Image: File The South African music scene is in a constant state of evolution, but right now, all eyes are on the rising stars Jazzworx and Thukuthela (real names Kamohelo Monese and Kgotso Dube, respectively). With chart-topping hits like 'Isaka (6am)', 'Vuka', and 'Uzizwa Kanjani', these artists are making waves, prompting fans to wonder if their sound, predominantly referred to as 3-Step, could signal the end of Amapiano's reign. As the beat of 3-Step pulses through the airwaves, it's crucial to understand what defines this emerging genre. Basically, 3-Step differentiates itself with a unique rhythmic structure that favours a compelling three-kick-drum pattern, breaking away from the conventional four-on-the-floor beats typical of house music. Its charm lies in the unexpected - with shuffling shakers, spontaneous snare rolls, log drums, and a multitude of layered percussion instruments, the sound conjures a vibrant, hypnotic environment. Unlike many of today's rigid music formats, 3-Step feels energetic and alive, comparable to a live jam session where numerous musicians contribute their magic in real-time. This dynamic genre has its roots firmly planted in South Africa, a cradle for diverse musical expressions. While DJ Thakzin is often credited with the origin and refinement of this captivating sound, the brilliance of 3-Step lies in the collaborative nature of its growth. A plethora of talented producers and DJs have embraced and further developed this style, broadening its appeal both locally and internationally. The dialogue around whether 3-Step can replace Amapiano isn't simply about competition; it showcases a community of artists evolving together. Interestingly, the collaboration extends to Amapiano DJs, who are now incorporating 3-Step into their sets, suggesting a merging of genres rather than outright rivalry. This fusion denotes a unifying movement within Afro-house and Amapiano, expanding the sonic landscape for both artists and listeners alike. However, can the strength of 3-Step truly eclipse the allure of Amapiano? We believe that while the sound is indeed captivating, it is unlikely to force out the beloved Amapiano. Instead, the emergence of 3-Step may invigorate the local music scene and breathe fresh life into established genres, paving the way for greater collaboration rather than competition. Here are a few reasons why: Diverse influence The beauty of Amapiano lies in its versatility. While 3-Step may appeal to a specific audience, Amapiano seamlessly integrates various musical styles, making it accessible and relatable to everyone, from the youth in urban settings to older generations. This cross-generational appeal is an asset that ensures Amapiano's enduring popularity. A global movement Amapiano's influence has broken geographical boundaries, garnering immense popularity beyond the shores of Mzansi. The genre has found enthusiastic audiences in Africa, Europe, and various parts of the Americas, showcasing a global appeal that is difficult for emerging sounds to rival. International superstars such as Beyoncé have spotlighted Amapiano by playing tracks from artists like Uncle Waffles during their tours. Other notable names like Drake, Kelly Rowland, Jorja Smith, Ciara, and Chris Brown have also openly celebrated their admiration for the genre, fostering a wave of international recognition that 3-Step has yet to attain.
