It is said motherhood is the exquisite inconvenience of being another person’s everything. And while the true author of that famous saying remains unknown, it rings true for several Zimbabwean mothers, as the world celebrated Mothers’ Day yesterday.

Businesswoman, Zodwa Mkandla, 51, who has carved a name as a successful entrepreneur and socialite, said being a mother is her most important vocation

The managing director of Traverze Travel Agency and former wife to late flamboyant businessman, Genius Kadungure, said although she lives a jet set lifestyle, motherhood trumps all.

“I am a mother to two girls, Precious and Melisa. In all things I do, being a mother is my most important duty. I am what I am today because of my children.

“My ambition has always been to give them a better life than I had because I grew up in the village in Bubi, with little exposure to the world. I want my children to know that they can conquer the world. I make sure that I spend all my weekends with my children, giving them my love and support,” Mkandla said.

Aa source of pride to her is that her daughters have never been delinquent, even though they could have easily been ‘spoilt brats’.

“I stand today as a gratified mom. My eldest girl is getting married in a few weeks’ time. These girls have never brought trouble into the home. I was never called to their schools to be told that they engaged in bad behaviour. So, I can blow my trumpet and say I have been a good mother. Of course, I owe this to my own mother, Gogo Mkandla, who raised me well in the village,” she said.

Motherhood Trumps All says Zodwa Mkandla

She said Mothers’ Day gives her time to reflect about motherhood, a role which has profound meaning to her.

“My understanding of motherhood is just not about celebrating the mother that gave birth to you biologically, but those people that have played a motherly role to different people. In the village, a child is not groomed only by biological parents, but by the community.

“I consider myself to be a mother to many because I employ scores of people who look up to me. I don’t treat my workers as servants, but as my children who expect guidance and support.”

In the spirit of motherhood, Mkandla established the Zodwa Mkandla Foundation a few years ago to support vulnerable people from rural areas, particularly young women. “Through the foundation, we are investing in personal and professional development of various communities in Zimbabwe. We fund their education and provide them a platform to get life changing opportunities.

“Our vision is to help the youth, particularly young women, to become global leaders. I believe my background of growing up from being a nobody to be a successful businesswoman serves as an inspiration.