Faith Nketsi’s journey into motherhood seems to have brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Despite the challenges that often come with being a first-time mom, Faith has embraced the experience as smooth sailing, and has been one that she believes was meant for her. Her daughter, Sky, born in 2022, has become the centre of Faith’s world, bringing her a level of love she didn’t know was possible.

 

It’s evident that becoming a mother has profoundly changed Faith’s perspective on life. She now prioritises her daughter’s well-being above everything else, recognising the responsibility and fears that come with nurturing such a precious life. Faith acknowledges that motherhood has shifted her focus from herself to her daughter, leading her to live a more paced and structured life.

 

“I just didn’t think I could love so much. I have unlocked a different level of love that I didn’t think was possible. But also, being responsible for something so precious brings with it its own fears. I care about her so much, I worry about her so much, and I overthink. Motherhood has made life not about me anymore.

 

 

“In the past, everything has generally revolved around me — what I want and what I need — but now Sky came and switched everything around,” she said.

 

The former dancer turned reality TV star, entrepreneur and one of Mzansi’s beauty icons, Faith’s transition into motherhood has prompted her to reassess her priorities and values. She now carefully considers the environments she exposes her daughter to and has become more conscious of her actions and words. Faith’s journey into motherhood has instilled in her a sense of purpose and long-term thinking, making her realise the importance of planning for the future.

 

 

“Now I just feel that there’s just so much more to life, and like I said, before being a mother, everything was just about me. Everything was anchored on short-term thinking, and there wasn’t really a reason to plan out a future, but Sky has made life so much longer and so much more meaningful, and I wouldn’t change that for anything,” said the doting mother.

 

 

“Even with balancing my career and motherhood, I did try it, but it didn’t work out for me. At that point, I had to prioritise what was more important to me, and more than anything, my biggest fears were missing out on all the milestones because this is also my first experience.

 

“So I had to cut down on a lot of things that were taking away time from my daughter—that is probably the biggest change that happened. And that is the only way I could strike a balance between the two—just picking my battles,” she said.

 

Despite all the changes, Faith cherishes the newfound meaning and depth that Sky has brought to her life. In terms of personality, she describes her daughter as full of life, which is a contrast to her younger self. She finds joy in watching Sky interact with other children and seeing her personality shine one day at a time.

 

 

“Having a baby was always the plan. I think from the ages of 16–18, I always said I’d have a baby at 27-years-old. And like I always say, ‘when you say what you want often enough, God hears you and will make it happen in His time’.

 

“Sure enough at age 27 years, although I wasn’t ready for a child, I had already felt a gaping hole that something was missing. But God knew my heart and heard all my prayers all these years. At exactly 27-years, I conceived my baby. In that instance, every puzzle piece fell into place, and I had to just fit in the role. God really knew my heart, my capabilities and answered me in His time. The perfect time,” adding that a girl child has always been her dream.

 

 

And with this short period of mothering her daughter, Faith shares that she is fortunate to have only experienced highs.

 

“I mean, she’s still young, and nothing has really been challenging so far, so I would be lying if I listed any lows. I don’t think I’ve gotten there yet. It’s just been highs all the way—and I know it sounds crazy, but Sky has really completed my life. I have a very healthy co-parenting relationship with her father and my mother is there full-time supporting us – including my tribe that is so supportive,” she said.

 

 

With advice, she always believed that experiences differ, and that is why she never really took anyone else’s advice but instead walked into motherhood blindly, ready to craft her own experiences.

 

“Someone else would make motherhood sound tiring and that it’s so much work, while I have a whole different view. So I really steer clear of always seeking advice because we don’t have the same support, kids are different, and that comes with varying experiences.

 

“But I do remember when I was pregnant that I took a lot of advice because I didn’t know what to expect. That phase really informed my decision to take things as they come.”

 

So far, she describes herself as a disciplinarian.

“LOL, I am definitely starting to realise how strict I am. Because when other kids do something, this one [Sky] will have to look at me five times before she makes her decision. Even now, she’s knocking on the door,” she said, referring to the time of our interview.”

 

 

“The thing is, I’m not loud when I scold someone but instead I do it very calmly – which is why many people don’t believe I am strict. But overall, it is very important that I instill certain things in my daughter that my mother did with me. My mom was very strict with me, and it worked.”

 

“I believe you can still be a gentle parent, but let’s not forget where we came from because the truth of the matter is that we didn’t turn out that badly. Gentle parenting can only take you so far, but traditional parenting can take you further. She has to be reminded that I am her mommy before being her friend,” she said, chuckling.

 

 

“I want to raise a very kind, thoughtful human being who is book smart and also street smart. Someone who is very strong, which is something that I lacked while growing up. I was very shy and timid, and found that people would walk all over me. I want her to be bold, speak her mind, and have her own voice and opinions—all this anchored in respect,’ she added.

 

Overall, Faith’s journey into motherhood has transformed her in profound ways, enriching her life and giving her a newfound sense of purpose and fulfilment.