Nandi Madida wears many hats in the entertainment industry, but her most cherished role is being a mother.

Alongside her husband, Zakes Bantwini, she is a proud parent to Shaka and Nefertiti Madida—a role she embraces wholeheartedly and holds close to her heart.

 

Nandi is a free spirit who instantly captivates. During our lively, spontaneous chat—even with an impromptu home tour—she eventually settles on the couch and opens up about the profound, often unexpected ways children can heal their parents.

 

“Motherhood is healing. When done in the right way, it’s healing because you have to heal. You are forced to look at yourself and heal, so it’s humbling as well,” she reflects.

 

It’s a humbling, authentic and deeply transformative experience—one she believes contributes to the betterment of humanity. Given the vastly impactful role of a mother.

 

It is from this place of healing and meaningful conversation that Nandi launched The Motherhood Network—a podcast and movement aimed at inspiring women to evolve into the best versions of themselves through the journey of motherhood. It’s a collective space for growth, connection and support.

 

This platform features heartfelt interviews with mothers from all walks of life, each sharing personal stories of growth, vulnerability and empowerment—designed to uplift others navigating their own motherhood journeys.

Guests vary from the likes of the impactful Basetsana Kumalo, Chancellor of Wits University and author Dr. Judy Dlamini and Dr. Nellie Balfour – one of South Africa’s leading pediatricians.

Before becoming a mother, Nandi shares that she always envisioned this role. She recalls a journal entry from Grade 11 where she unknowingly manifested her son, Shaka.

“I actually wrote in that journal that one day I want to have a son named Shaka. And Shaka came. So I’ve always wanted to be a mother. Even as an older sister, I lowkey played a mothering role. I’ve always loved tapping into that nurturing side,” she says with a warm smile.

It’s this deep love for children that has kept her maternal flame alive.

 

“My kids are like my own dopamine,” she giggles. “Being a mom is like a passion project that doesn’t stop.”

 

 

Motherhood also ushered in a deeper level of self-awareness.

 

“I pride myself on working on myself as often as I can, and I finally reached a place of real self-awareness after I had kids. For example, I’ve always known I was neurodivergent—I have ADHD—but I didn’t fully understand the effects, especially how it ties into anxiety.

 

“It’s through my kids that I’ve come to better understand myself and see what else I still need to work on.”

 

Nandi describes herself as a daddy’s girl, drawing her boldness and ambition from her father, while her mother taught her grace, poise and composure. Now, she sees these generational traits reflected in her own children—her son radiating her father’s energy and her daughter mirroring her mother’s gentle spirit.

 

And while motherhood is filled with deep joy and pride, the lows are equally humbling, offering quiet lessons in growth, patience and resilience.

 

“When my daughter got her diagnosis as being on the autistic spectrum, that was enlightening. More than anything, it helped us understand our family genetics. Back then, there wasn’t much information. You didn’t have a name for things, but we were always very sensory sensitive,” she shares.

 

 

 

“So when my daughter received her diagnosis, it became a moment of clarity—one that also helped me better understand my own family’s history.”

 

Acceptance, she says, came easily—especially given her love for research.

 

“My dad is actually the one who suggested a doctor and by the time we got there, I was already convinced. I was convincing my family she was on the spectrum. I was just happy to get that confirmation. And I’m happy to always talk about it to normalise it.”

“I want society to be comfortable with these kinds of conversations—conversations that matter.”

Nandi’s already radiant face lights up even more when asked about her children—a clear reflection of the deep adoration and pride she carries.

“My children are like black and white, the most different ever. And I love it,” she laughs.

“My son is Mr. Entertainer, Extrovert. In a room full of people, he’s that kid who stands out. He loves socialising and is so independent. He even has an exhibition coming up in September and is also a pianist. OMG, he is everything.

“My daughter, on the other hand, is introverted. So graceful, so beautiful. She has this quiet confidence,” Nandi says, adding that she reminds her of her own grandmother.

Their contrasting personalities, she believes, are what make them such a perfect match.

“That’s why they get along so well. My daughter doesn’t want the spotlight and my son thrives in it. There’s no competition—just harmony.”

 

Two children, she says, is the perfect number. “I don’t want any more,” she adds with a smile.

 

For Nandi, creating space for her children while still building her own life is vital.

“I had to heal so much so that I am able to understand that my children are born through me but belong to God. In that way, I don’t project onto them. I’m even counting down the years until my son leaves home to go flourish,” she jokes—yet it’s clear she’s deeply intentional about preparing them for the world while also allowing them to discover their own callings.

 

So for Nandi, motherhood isn’t just a role—it’s a sacred journey of becoming. One that calls for healing, self-reflection and unconditional love. As she continues to evolve, so does her understanding of what it means to truly show up—not only for her children, but for herself.

 

In nurturing Shaka and Nefertiti, she’s also nurturing the healed, whole version of herself—a woman grounded in grace, purpose and a love that constantly expands.