The absent mothers of KZN speak out
On Friday, we heard from the mothers of KZN who don't have a relationship with their kids, and found out the reasons for their actions.
Listen as the absent mothers of KZN share their stories, or read below:
I read a very interesting piece of information the other day which tugged at my heart.
According to Stats SA, 41% of kids in KZN live only with their fathers, while 24,4% live with neither parents. As a woman who grew up having a short relationship with her mother as a single parent, it was such a blessing to have her in my life, and her spirit lives on in my heart.
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After seeing the stats, I decided to have some real talk with the absent mothers of KZN. I asked them why they don't have relationships with their kids.
A day prior to our conversation on air, I put the question out to our Facebook fans to hear from them. These are their stories:
"I am looking after my stepdaughter... her mother simply doesn’t have time for her , too busy having fun , refusing to do anything or if she does something is after big arguments . My heart breaks for my stepdaughter - she is longing this connection with her biological mother but she will never get it" - Justyna Bly
"My wife left me with the kids to go to Capetown, came back said she would never leave them again, fell into depression again ,told us that she is checking into a sanctuary for depression and mums with PNS, she said that she can't say where it is,because they have rules, and not allowed to use their cellphone, its over 2 weeks now, no contact,not even on our sons birthday, 1 Oct, my other sons birthday is on 7th, 9yrs n 6 yrs." - Aarif Emmamally
"My son is raising his 2 boys, aged 5 and 6, alone, because they have an absent mother. He struggles daily, but seldom asks for help. My babies don't even speak of their mother, as she hasn't been a part of their lives for a couple of years. I cannot fathom the fact that she has left them stranded. My heart and soul cry almost daily for the 3 of them struggling through alone, but I need to add that those 2 boys have the most beautiful manners, are respectful to others, are always laughing and mischievous...they have their Daddy, they will be alright! The oldest starts grade 1 next year and though I know things will be tight, I, at least, am close enough to be here for them...God give my boys strength pleas[e]" - Sonia O'Reilly
"My mother has been absent from my life since I was 3 months and my grandmother is one who raised me. I don't have any relationship with my mother and I have accepted that she is not in my life. I always make sure that Im the best mother to my kids so that they don't experience what I went through. It's very painful to have an absent mother but my grandmother has been my rock and my shoulder to cry on. I urge all mother's to be there for their kids no matter what the circumstances. Love, Support and Take Care of your kids. It doesn't matter whether you are poor or rich but a mother's love is everything and brings joy to every child's life." - Nompumelelo Mthethwa
Listen to the podcast to find out more.