Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo on letting go of the ‘super-mom’ myth and embracing a new season of motherhood
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After welcoming her third child, the singer and actress reflects on the power of asking for help, her late mother’s lasting influence, and the joys and lessons of raising three little ones.
Realising that it’s okay to ask for help is what finally set singer and actress Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo free from the shackles of being a ‘super-mom’—a title that often left her feeling drained, overwhelmed, and stretched too thin.
The mom of three recently welcomed her baby boy—her little prince among two princesses—just four months ago. This time around, she says, the experience has felt different, largely because she’s learning the art of letting go and accepting support.

Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo with her family | Instagram
“This time around is different,” she shares. “Because you have all of these children at different stages, every stage comes with its own growth and lessons.”
Her last two pregnancies came prematurely and required emergency C-sections. Although she’d already walked that road with her second-born, Mpho admits the challenges didn’t get easier the third time.
“Having the children remain in hospital and the shock of it all has been difficult. Maybe the first time made this one more manageable, but definitely not easy. The first three months after my son’s birth were extremely challenging, but I can see he’s adjusting now,” she says, laughing that this will “definitely” be her last pregnancy.
“But having my son in my arms is absolutely priceless.”

Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo with her family | Instagram
Looking back at her first pregnancy, Mpho recalls the pure excitement of stepping into motherhood for the very first time—an experience she will never forget.
“The environment allowed for me to have a child, but more than anything, I began to appreciate my own mother and longed for her even more,” she says. Her mother sadly passed away when Mpho was in matric.
“I missed her the most, because although I had my aunts and grandparents around, there’s something about your own mother that nothing else can satisfy.”
Her late mother’s influence remains one of the strongest forces in her life and continues to shape how deeply she values family.
“My mother was a single parent of four, and that alone made life incredibly difficult—financially and otherwise. As the first-born child, I naturally became a deputy parent. But I wasn’t doing it all on my own—my mother was very present. She was so caring, and we learnt so much from her,” she reminisces warmly.
Even though their situation wasn’t ideal, Mpho remembers how her mother always pushed to provide them with more than what she had growing up—raising the bar for what love and care looked like.

Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo with her family | Instagram
“We struggled, but my mother fought so hard for us to have a better life. She did the important things—she led us to Christ, showed us unconditional love—and those actions created such a meaningful, memorable life. Her fingerprints are on everything.”
“I am because she was,” Mpho says. “And I can confidently say my love for family comes from her. Because of how I grew up, I’ve always wanted more for my children. I knew early on I didn’t want to raise them alone, and I thank God for a supportive partner. I want to be present for my kids, just like my mom was for us, and I want to make them the priority in everything I do.
Having lived through tough circumstances, Mpho says she’s always been strong and resilient—but motherhood has opened up a new side of her: one that is soft, vulnerable, and deeply nurturing.
For Mpho, motherhood is equal parts beautiful and challenging.
“I recently went on holiday with the family, and it was lovely—so, so worth it—but if I could rewind to that morning of us leaving… getting them ready and out the house? It was a lot!” she laughs. “That’s what motherhood is—it’s overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo with her family | Instagram
Her daughters, she says, reflect both her and her husband in such unique ways. Seven-year-old Babalwa takes after her mom in looks but mirrors her dad’s calm and quiet manner. Four-year-old Siba, on the other hand, is bold, outspoken, and spirited—just like her mom.
“I didn’t even know I was that feisty,” she laughs.
When it comes to her son, Mpho says his arrival was a prayer answered in silence.
“Having my son is an answered prayer that I used to whisper in private. After the girls, my husband and I thought we were done—we were happy and content. He absolutely adores his girls. But when we found out we were having a boy, he was so excited. You can see it in his eyes and the way he’s always holding the baby.”
“More than anything, I’m really excited to be a boy-mom,” she smiles. “I’ve had my share of mini-mes in my girls, and now I’m happy my husband will have his mini-me too.”
Overall, Mpho shares how intentional she is about acknowledging her children’s individual needs and personalities, and making sure each one feels truly seen, heard, and loved.
“I’m excited to see who my son will end up resembling the most,” she says with a giggle. “But more than anything, I’m just grateful for the chance to raise another child—with love and intentionality,” says the clearly smitten mom.

Mpho Putini-Mandlesilo with her family | Instagram