Latest news with #singlemotherhood
News24
3 days ago
- General
- News24
Meet the woman behind Ask A Mom, a safe, supportive space for mothers who need a community
She was merely sharing her real, raw journey about single motherhood on TikTok. From one video to the next, many mothers resonated with her story, and the next thing, the community of mothers called for a Whatsapp group chat which she started in February 2025. Before she knew it, the community turned into an initiative and selfless movement aimed to help out mothers in their struggles. Nobuhle Radebe, affectionately known as BheePosh tells Drum how activism found her and philanthropy followed naturally. 'I didn't set out with a clear plan to step into motherhood, activism, or philanthropy in the way that I have, but life has a way of calling you into purpose through experience. Motherhood came first, and with it, a complete shift in perspective. Activism found me when I started sharing my real, raw journey on TikTok. I wasn't trying to be anything other than honest. But the more I shared, the more I realised how many women felt the same: overwhelmed, isolated, and in need of community. One comment suggested I start a WhatsApp group, and philanthropy followed naturally. 'Once you start connecting with people's real needs, when you see someone crying because they received baby formula, or you witness moms donating breast pumps and nappies to one another, you can't turn away. Helping others became an extension of my motherhood journey and a reflection of the kind of world I want my children to grow up in,' she adds. Read more | From Khayelitsha to international runways, Mzukisi Mbane on turning passion into award-winning success Now, she's a proud founder of Ask A Mom, a community-based support initiative born to create a safe, non-judgmental space for mothers. Nobuhle has created a platform where women can ask questions, share their experiences, seek advice from each other and qualified professionals, and receive both emotional and practical support. 'Whether you're navigating the early days of motherhood or balancing the demands of parenting, Ask A Mom exists to ensure that no mother feels alone at any point of their motherhood journey. We are proud to have a qualified social worker and midwife as part of our community, offering credible, compassionate guidance when it's needed most. At its core, Ask A Mom is about empowering mothers through connection, compassion, and community, regardless of their background or circumstances,' the mother of two says. Though she's no longer single, her heart has grown fond of the mothers that felt seen and heard by her. Currently, the Whatsapp group chat has over 170 moms who actively participate and support one another every day. 'For safety and to protect the integrity of the space especially since we discuss sensitive topics and offer personal support each new member is required to complete a vetting questionnaire to confirm that they are indeed a mom or a mom to be. This step ensures that the space remains trusted, secure, and genuine.' From all the stories and journeys, she's had a front-row seat to through her initiative, she says the one that stands out the most for her is one of a first-time mom who had virtually no support besides her partner. 'The moms in the group came together and created a heartfelt video filled with realistic, honest tips to support her through the early stages of motherhood. It was such a genuine act of community. 'There was also a young mom who didn't have the essentials to prepare for her baby's arrival. Without hesitation, other moms stepped in and put together a package of essentials, from nappies and baby clothes to toiletries and more. What's even more inspiring is that group members often go out of their way to deliver these items personally, breast pumps, baby clothes, nappies you name it. It's that kind of real-world action and sisterhood that keeps me going. It's proof that when women come together, incredible things happen,' she beams with pride. Under Ask A Mom, the 30-year-old houses a few programmes that include the following; - Commerce and Career Wednesdays (Ongoing) This bi-weekly digital series is dedicated to helping mothers reclaim or elevate their careers. Whether returning to work after maternity leave or exploring new professional paths, Commerce and Career Wednesdays provides practical tools like CV building, LinkedIn optimisation, interview tips, and entrepreneurial guidance. We've featured expert guests and real success stories. - Virtual Birth Class (April 2025) In response to the overwhelming need for accessible and reliable birth education, we hosted a free virtual birth class facilitated by healthcare professionals. The session covered crucial topics like labour preparation, creating birth plans, postpartum recovery, and mental well-being. - Winter Drive (Current) ' Our Winter Drive is one of our most heartfelt initiatives. As temperatures drop, we are collecting and intend to distribute warm clothing, blankets, baby supplies, and food to moms and families in need. Some moms not only donate but also volunteer to collect and deliver items to others in their area. It's a real-life reflection of the Ask A Mom spirit: no mother left behind. This drive reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness like a warm jacket or a pack of nappies can bring dignity and comfort to another family.' 'Each of these programmes is born from real needs expressed by our community. Whether it's emotional support, professional development, birth education, or physical resources, Ask A Mom strives to show up for mothers in tangible, life-changing ways.' Read more | Lawrence Maleka gets real about fame and hosting Friends of Amstel With the winter drive, the goal is to keep at least 100 families warm with winter packages, with basic items such as clothes, non-perishable food, and blankets. All the items collected will be donated to the Frida Hartley Women's Shelter in Yeoville, Johannesburg during Mandela month (July). While motherhood has taught her endurance, emotional depth, and vulnerability with all the sleepless nights and financial stress, helping other mothers has given her life purpose and meaning beyond words. If anything, it's been a constant reminder that healing can happen through community. 'In the next 5–10 years, I see Ask A Mom growing into a national network of physical and digital support hubs. I envision resource centres in every major city where mothers can get help, attend workshops, and simply connect. We hope to be a recognised voice in maternal wellbeing and advocacy, driving policy and social change,' she confidently tells Drum. Nobuhle is also the founder of Fempire Afrika, a digital solutions marketing agency that helps brands grow through strategic content and online visibility, a full-time content creator, and she also runs Luna Boheme ZA, a gold non-tarnish jewellery line that celebrates elegance, individuality, and everyday luxury.
News24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing
Lunathi Mampofu's latest lead role is Zoleka Mabandla in Inimba. Portraying the complex reality of a career-driven mother is what Lunathi loves about the role. She reveals that the series hits deep as a reflection of her reality as a single mother. ____________________________________________________ Sometimes life imitates art in a way that you'd least expect it. For award-winning actor Lunathi Mampofu, it was bringing to life the complexities of a career-driven woman and single motherhood, which mirrors the themes of her own life. Lunathi takes on the lead role as the headstrong tech mogul Zoleka Mabandla in the powerful drama series Inimba, who sacrificed everything for her career before returning home and attempting to reconnect with her daughter Qhawe (played by Ayakha Ntunja) she left behind. As a single parent herself, Lunathi was drawn to how real and honest the portrayal of real issues many South African women face in their own lives. The 38-year-old tells TRUELOVE about what she loves the most about bringing Zoleka to life. 'With this specific story ... It's real life issues and things that happen and I, as a single parent, am going through some of those things as well and the difficulties of having to choose between being a mom and coming out here and working and doing God's work. 'But I think for me, it's just the fact that I get to portray the reality of what's actually going on out there with the people and how they sometimes feel - and I think we all do - we always feel like we are alone in the situations that we're going through. Whether it's a divorce, whether it's being away from your child, whether it's the difficulties that we face at work, which we face even in our industry.' A reflection of reality Zoleka's tale is one that hits deep with Lunathi, who reveals that she personally has felt the pressures of being at a crossroads between fulfilling her commitments as a mother and as a prominent figure in South African entertainment. She admits, 'Ja man, a lot of times, like schoolwork and stuff like that, I would like to be more present, I would like to do more, but I can't split myself as being the breadwinner, the mother, the person who puts the whole household together, like all of it. That's the reality and the truth and until I'm blessed to find a partner who's going to assist me with that. 'But in the same breath, you have to make it work and I can't take away from the people that love me, that have been there in this journey with me, like my parents, my siblings, in moments where I had to be at work she has to be picked up or she needs to fly to Cape Town because I'm flying out of country. So, those are the moments where I'm just like you know what - and we've had those tough conversations together but the beautiful part is the fact that I've brought up to be independent as well and to understand the route that I've chosen.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oros Mampofu | Actor (@oros_mampofu) The journey of healing Lunathi is someone who is very critical about her performances but, with Inimba, she is using this impactful story to have real conversations with her daughter in a way that is healing for the thespian. 'I struggle to watch myself but with this show - because I said again - it's healing for me in so many different ways, in so many different ways. 'So, it's also therapy just to rewatch it and have those conversations with u-aunty endlini and have those conversations with my daughter where you actually pick up the type of person that she's growing up to be as well and how understanding she is about certain things that have happened in our life. So, I really honestly chose this job because I knew what it was going to do for us.'
