FOR The Bluff mother Rochelle Rae, motherhood has been a journey of pain and potential, which has now materialised into a movement inspiring and motivating mothers throughout South Africa.

Also read: Help women embrace the joy of motherhood

Rae became a first-time mom in 2020 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. What should have been a time of laughter and celebration for her was instead a time of loneliness, strict lockdowns and unimaginable loss. With family living overseas, she felt the day-to-day support missing, and when her father, who she considered her rock, died from Covid-19, the path became an even heavier load.

Three years later, after welcoming her baby girl, she pivoted and that prompted the beginning of her online content creation. From posting small nuggets of her own life, snapshots of her children, moments that mothers could relate to and parenting tips, it grew to be something much bigger. Rae said she understood how many moms craved connection, encouragement and compassion.

She also created a Facebook group that currently brings together more than 12 000 mothers from across South Africa. “As with many women, I’ve never felt that I’ve had the ‘village’ people mention when raising children. The group became an online village for many, a virtual community where women feel empowered to gather, share, laugh at the muddiness of motherhood and comfort one another on bad days,” said Rae.

Each month the project sees one mother chosen, either by being nominated by others or by oneself, to receive a food voucher. But Rae said that the programme involves much more than just food.

“The mom also gets the chance to share her motherhood journey on my platform, and most importantly, feel seen, heard and appreciated. It’s about more than groceries; it’s about uplifting moms and reminding them that they are not alone,” said Rae.

Right now, Rae funds the operation herself, but she is expecting to increase its reach through collaborations with businesses and interested residents who want to be a part of bringing positive change. She believes that all together, small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of support and encouragement for mothers across the country.

If you want to contribute to the Mzansi Mama Project, or if you are a mom who wants some support, you can reach Rae at ‪072 639 0998 or by joining the Mzansi Mama Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/share/178xA829sZ/. Alternatively you can visit her website at www.mzansimama.co.za .

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