Laughter, poetry, and the fragrance of roses filled Mustadafin Foundation’s Bridgetown head office on 12 August 2025, where 100 young single mothers gathered for a day dedicated to resilience, self-worth, and new beginnings. With speakers, community leaders, and the Department of Social Development’s Mr Jaco Londt in attendance, all united in celebrating women’s courage.
From the moment the guests arrived, they were reminded of their value. It was a day of spoiling the mothers, filled with care, laughter and encouragement. More than material gifts, the event was about reminding women of their worth, resilience and potential. It created space for women to share, connect, and be uplifted. Inspiring talks and moving poetry reminded attendees that while the journey of single motherhood is never easy, it need not be walked alone.
Learning from Life, Together
In heartfelt conversations, the young mothers shared the lessons they have carried with them.
- Resilience: “We learned to be strong and resilient in the face of challenges.”
- Time Management: “Balancing school, parenting, and personal life taught us to prioritise and manage time effectively.”
- Support Systems: “Having a supportive community and network made all the difference in our journey.”
- Self-Worth: “We discovered our worth and capabilities, and that has empowered us to pursue our dreams.”
When reflecting on what they might do differently, many offered words of wisdom that became a collection of life lessons for others:
- Seek Help Sooner: “We wish we had asked for help earlier, rather than struggling alone.”
- Believe in Yourself: “We’d have believed in ourselves more and doubted our abilities less.”
- Plan Ahead: “We’d have planned our finances and resources better to reduce stress.”
- Prioritise Self-Care: “We’d have focused on self-care and mental health from the start.”
One mother’s words resonated deeply with everyone in the room: “She will get out of Tafelsig, she will buy herself a house.” Another reminded the group of the enduring legacy of strong women and quoted Michelle Obama: “Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them.”
Celebrating More Than a Day
For Mustadafin Foundation, the Women’s Day event was not just a celebration but part of a larger commitment to supporting young single mothers in rebuilding their lives with dignity and confidence.
“Days like this remind us of the extraordinary strength of the remarkable women in our communities,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, director of Mustadafin Foundation. “Our goal is not only to honour them, but to create safe, supportive spaces where they can recognise their worth, find community, and dream again.”
As the roses were taken home and the poetry still lingered, the women left not only with full hearts, but also with the reminder that resilience grows stronger when shared.
For more information, call 021 633 0010 or visit www.mustadafin.org.za
