Catriona Ross asks a few local stars what they cherish most about their mothers Elana Afrika, 31, DJ and presenter of the online show, Handheld, by Elana Afrika 

What makes your mom so special?

My mom, Ellen, is the fun one in the family – and the biggest talker! She loves a good conversation and lights up the room. What I enjoy most about her is the fact that she always listens. And when I share good news, she gets so excited that you’d swear it was happening to her! She’s amazing. I really love my parents.

Are you similar to your mom?

I have definitely inherited my mom’s ability to connect with people. My parents have always loved my friends and the people I’ve introduced them to. Because of the way they have dealt with others,it has been very easy for me to meet people and get along with everyone.

How will you spoil her this Mother’s Day?

My mom loves nice things, such as perfume, and she likes to choose her own gift. She’s a housewife and an incredible cook, and she cooks for me all the time – so when I want to treat her,I bring home yellow roses. I think this year is a mom-and-me spa day, with yellow roses!

 

Sindi Nene, 23, musician and former Idols finalist

What made your mom so special?

My mother, Nelisiwe, who passed away in 2004, was a go-getter. She believed she could achieve anything in life and always found a way to make things happen, regardless of the challenges in her life. I miss her laugh the most, as it made everything right.My mother always knew how to solve problems with a huge smile on her face;that’s something I wish I could do myself.

Are you similar to your mom?

I inherited her spirit to fight, and to believe in myself and reach for my goals. These traits have helped me be who I am today.

If your mom was still alive, how would you spoil her this Mother’s Day?

She loved laughing, having fun and spending time with her family. I would plan an exciting girls’ night out with me, my sister and her, with a special dinner prepared for just the three of us.

 

Stuart Taylor, 35, comedian

What makes your mom so special?

She’s a nurturer. There’s nothing she won’t do for us. She’s a calm, determined person. In moments of panic, all I need to do is take a deep breath and try to see a new perspective,the way she does.

How will you spoil her this Mother’s Day?

I’m terrible when it comes to gift ideas! I have a wife who will thankfully take the lead. I have learnt, though, that the most appreciated gifts have been those special things that my mother will never splash out on and buy for herself.

 

Janez Vermeiren, 33, Top Billing presenter and owner of Full Circle Model Management

What makes your mom so special?

My mother, Christine, has always been an important part of my life. My father is an artist, so he’s very creative, while my mom has always provided stability. She’s nurturing, loving and has an amazing sense of humour. She was so protective over me in my younger years that she didn’t allow me to play rugby because the other boys were much bigger than me!

Are you similar to your mom?

My mom is very giving, but also very focused and motivated. Likewise, I’m extremely competitive and I know this has helped me a lot in attaining my goals. I’ll play table tennis against my mom and she will still try to beat me!

How will you spoil her this Mother’s Day?

I want to prepare a meal at our old family home in Camps Bay (where I now live). I travel so much and I’m not always able to spend special occasions with my family, so just being together and enjoying a glass of wine and a great lunch would be the greatest gift I could give her.

 
Genevieve Howard, 32, radio DJ and actress

What makes your mom so special?

Berenise (my mom) gets along with everyone. She also listens to me, is there for me at all hours of the day or night, and supports me in everything I choose to do. I’m blessed to have loving, supportive parents, and that’s what is most important.Are you similar to your mom? She has always allowed me to make mistakes, because that’s the best way to learn – even though it’s the hardest.I’m grateful to her for letting me learn and grow and be the best I can be.

How will you spoil her this Mother’s Day?

My mom won’t be in the country, as my family lives in Australia. She and my dad visited in December last year, so I was able to spend some quality time with them then. We stay in touch all the time though. We send BBM messages and voice notes frequently, and she listens to my show on Kfm. On Mother’s Day, I’ll be taking my gran out for lunch, as I grew up with her too and she is also very much my mom.

 

Thami Mngqolo, 29, actor

What makes your mom so special?

I have a great mum, Nompumelelo. She’s short, but they say dynamite comes in small packages! She’s very organised and is the person who runs everyone’s lives.Without her, our family would fall apart from pure lack of organisation. When she’s not around, you can tell. She’s able to immediately get out of you what’s wrong, and what hould be done about it.

Are you similar to your mom?

Her sense of caring is what defines her most, and the biggest thing I’ve learnt from my mother is compassion. There are always friends and family over at our house and, being a nurse, she’s always taking care of somebody. She often brings work home with her – literally! If there’s a family member who doesn’t have shoes, I must give up mine. Compassion and empathy are essential for an actor,because you’re constantly portraying other people, so you must be able to put yourself in their shoesto see where they’re struggling or hurting. You need the ability to relate to that.

How will you spoil her this Mother’s Day?

I’ll be with my mom in Kimberley. We’ll be at the soup kitchen she runs for children at Kimberley Hospital.