By Sithembile Moyo
Many often wonder how mothers especially those raising children alone manage to fulfill the demanding responsibilities of both a mother and a father. It’s not just about providing care; it’s about embodying a dual role that requires emotional strength, resilience, and a deep well of love.
There are countless mothers who step up every day, filling the shoes of fathers who are absent whether due to death, abandonment, or other circumstances. These women do not merely survive; they thrive under pressure, driven by their unwavering commitment to their children. They carry the burden of nurturing, guiding, disciplining, protecting, and providing all while rarely getting the credit they deserve.
Thandeka, a mother of three, lost her partner and has since been raising her children alone. “It’s tough to play both roles,” she shares. “It takes an uncommon strength to overcome the challenges I face every day. From making all the decisions on my own to doing the school run, it’s overwhelming at times. Life is just different when the father is not around so many things have to be adjusted.”
Thandeka’s story is not unique. Many single mothers share the same weight of responsibility. While a two-parent household may allow one partner to lean on the other during tough times, single mothers must draw that strength from within. The absence of a father figure can create a visible gap in the household one that stretches from financial stability to emotional reassurance. As Thandeka explains, “When a father is around, even if things aren’t perfect, you still feel protected. You worry less because there’s someone to share the load.”
And yet, these mothers push forward. They show up to school meetings, stay up with sick children, find ways to pay bills, and still offer love and warmth at the end of the day. Their strength is often silent but incredibly powerful. To all the mothers out there who are doing it alone we see you, we honour you, and we thank you. You are the embodiment of courage, love, and resilience