Mogopudi Maditsi about the importance of motherhood, ‘best hood to ever be in.’

When 29 year old mother, Mogopudi Maditsi, was announced as the 2022 Batswadi cover winner, she dubbed that moment as not only surreal but a dream come true. The loyal reader who hails from Limpopo but currently resides in Pretoria, says this cover edition is a celebration of her relationship with her daughter and an even bigger celebration of motherhood.

“The best hood you could ever find yourself in,” she spontaneously added, something her grandmother once told her when she was expecting her bundle of joy four years ago. 

 

 

The elated guest cover stars were treated to a special cover photoshoot at the Penthouse Suite at @Sandton Hotel, a luxury hotel located in Benmore Gardens in Sandton.
 

“Weeks leading up to the photoshoot, I had to prepare my daughter mentally by telling her about it everyday. The funny thing is that I, on the other hand, was extremely nervous because I had never done a professional photoshoot before. So when the day came, it was interesting to see Ntike (daughter) so comfortable in front of the camera and I think that made me relax even more. I think she did well. Well, I hope she did well,” she said giggling. 

Mogopudi, who has for the past two years dedicated her time to establishing the pair’s brand as mother-daughter influencers on Instagram, said motherhood to her is more than just a title but a calling that she takes on seriously. 

As someone who never had a close relationship with her own parents whilst growing up, having been raised by her grandmother at first then shipped off to boarding school later only for her to forge a relationship with her mother later on in life, Mogopudi takes pride in cultivating a close relationship with her daughter. 

“It’s more about changing the narrative for my daughter. Building memories of us for her from a young age so that she knows what a mother’s love is. In its purest form,” she said.

The proof of Mogopudi’s efforts are in the smallest things that she takes notes about their bond. From how her mini-me mimics a lot of the things that she does, to the impromptu makeup sessions that they will have, with little Ntike as the facebeat guru (lol), to even praying together. 

“I am a full time mother and therefore focus all my attention on my daughter. I have watched her evolve, pick up and drop habits and just watched her grow. And as much as I love all the things that we do together, praying together is my number one activity. We do it every night after reading her a story. She will then recite a short English prayer before completing it with a short sePedi prayer,” she said. 

“She also took after me in being a neat-freak and it is so cute to watch,” she said before bursting out in laughter. 

Retracing her earliest pregnancy days, she recalls wishing for a baby boy due to being raised in a household filled with girls. But it was when she held her baby girl in her arms 9 months later that she knew a baby girl was exactly what she needed. 

“The bond that I share with my daughter has healed me and has taught me a lot about myself. I am seeing life through her eyes and that immediately exposes you to the importance of a mother in a child’s life. Yes admittedly the father’s role is important too, but a mother’s role is irreplaceable. And as early as four years, I see it with my daughter. 

“Raising children, boy or girl, is a really delicate experience that needs one to be present but also offer space for children to explore who they are. Whilst growing up, I know how not entirely having the freedom to explore myself had the potential of stifling my own growth within myself. And that is what I took with me into motherhood, the importance of holding on but also letting go. Listening to our children and being present but also giving them the freedom to be. Sounds contradictory but very doable,” she said.  

In her quest to create an unbreakable bond with Ntike, spending special family time is also at the top of her small family’s list. The family of three will be visiting the father’s family home this Christmas, as per tradition. Something her daughter seemingly looks forward to annually. 

“Geez, children want everything from toys to seeing the actual Santa Claus,” she said chuckling. 

“But my one wish this Christmas, and I think that has been my constant wish, is for my daughter’s eternal happiness. For her to seize every opportunity that she is presented with in life. Years from now, I hope this cover becomes that constant reminder that the world is her oyster. Because as a mother, that’s all I ever want to see unfold for my girl. For her to live her best authentic life to the fullest,” she said emotionally. 

About Bastwadi she said, “I discovered the publication awhile back and I just remember envisioning my daughter on the cover. It was something I said and thought of but never really invested much thought to after. So when this opportunity came, I knew it was our opportunity to grab and we are here now. 

“I have always followed the cover issues and something about this brand spoke to what I stand for. 

“I just hope this opens up more doors for the influencer work that I want to embark on. Beyond being ‘cool’, I want to cement motherhood as a meaningful role again. Because it is worth it,” she said. 

 

Five Quick-fire Questions

Fav duo activities 

Singing and dancing together. But we also dress up a lot, just as girls would. I love how much fun we have with each other. 

Does your husband feel left out of the bond?

LOL! No he doesn’t. Ntike and her father also have their special bond but ours is more obvious because of the amount of time we spend together, as a full time mommy. But he understands our bond. 
 

What sort of relationship do you hope continuously grows between the two of you?

I actually want to be her best friend. I want her to run to me for anything and that I must always be available for her.

Plans for 2023?

I will be more intentional with the influencer work because I know there is a lot of potential for my daughter there. Moreover, I want our relationship to inspire young mothers to embrace this journey.

Advice to other mommies…

Is to embrace and enjoy motherhood. It might not be the easiest journey ever but I believe it is God’s perfect gift.