Over the years, we have abandoned the regressive notion that mothers can’t handle a top-notch job position. In hindsight, it was a ridiculous premise considering that moms can easily manage hyperactive toddlers while nurturing them and taking care of their needs. Nevertheless, the advent of progressive labour rights for women has afforded mothers the opportunity to conquer their careers and simultaneously fulfil their responsibilities as parents. One such supermom is Minki Mmakula.

 

Hailing from Sekhukhune in Africa’s Eden, Limpopo, Minki is a mother of four (three daughters and a son), all while being a professional Process Engineer specialising in software development at one of South Africa’s top banks. Moreover, she is currently doing her second year in a Masters in Management in the field of Digital Business from the Wits Business School.

Multifaceted, the supermom expanded her horizons by entering the prestigious Mrs South Africa pageant this year, emerging as a semi-finalist.

In the spirit of International Women’s Month, we chat with Minki Mmakula about her motherhood journey, chasing her professional dreams, and advice for women who aspire to conquer their careers.

 

As a mom, how do you balance your duties with your career in software engineering?

I plan my day the night before. On a normal day 6 PM till 8 PM is pure mommy time, no social media, no interruption from calls. And I take my kids to school daily. I am deeply grateful for my husband who also assists in providing guidance and support for our kids. Two Sundays in a month, I dedicate them to taking my kids out and playing with them the whole day. We even just dress up and go for window shopping for toys and ice cream after, a very cost-effective outing.

 

There is a misconception that being a mother automatically means having to give up on your dreams. How did you rise above this narrative?

I have a vision board and every time I tick off something that I have accomplished, I dream to achieve more. My son was also a wish, I thought I was only able to have girls. A vision board helps one daydream and manifest daily. The law of attraction provides the assistance you will need to achieve your goals. If you manifest being a CEO of a large organisation, the universe aligns your route, and you get to meet people who will help you achieve your dreams. I love Whitney Houston’s song “When You Believe.”

 

What inspired you to take part in the Mrs South African pageant and how was the experience?

I am energised by breaking limits and excellence. Qualifying to study at a top African university while coming from a village in Limpopo, was proof to my community that children from rural areas can get quality education even if coming from a family supported by social grants. I entered Mrs South Africa because I am passionate about women empowerment, youth development, and serving. Therefore, Mrs South Africa aligns with my passion for breaking limits and community upliftment.

 

What are some of the lessons that you learned from the pageant, be it about pageantry or about yourself?

The semi-finals journey has enabled me to meet and create a sisterhood community with about 100 other trailbrazer women. It has taught me how to negotiate, how to pitch a sale, and how to create a personal brand. I even got empowered to be my best self, my self-confidence also increased a lot. When the first SMS results were released, I was part of the top four contestants which was surreal. This me that this means so much for my circle and the Limpopo community at large.

 

What do you love most about being a mom?

I love dressing my kids up and being reminded by their questions that I also am still learning in this world. Questions like “Why is the moon white?” My kids provide a getaway from the serious world to a world where I get to embrace my inner child. From naming dolls to racing with my son.

 

 

Being a mom can also have its challenges. What have you found difficult about the journey?

The challenging part has been the mommy guilt that I feel when I leave my kids at home to be in workshops, to write exams, or to attend conferences. I feel guilty when they say things like “You’re leaving us behind again.”

 

What are your future aspirations for your kids?

My biggest aspiration for my kids is for them to be brave enough to follow their dreams with no fear. My eldest daughter wanted to be a fashion designer and I took her to meet a fashion designer doing so well in the field. Their dreams changed a lot but I hope they are brave enough to break the status norms and know I will support them if they go for fashion, car racing, engineering, or the arts.

 

What advice do you have for women who want to be moms and would still like to have a successful career as well?

Accept assistance, allowing someone to cook supper for your kids doesn’t make you a bad mom. Do your best because spending an hour with your kids with no interruption means a lot to them.

 

You have already done exceptionally well in pageantry this year. What more can we expect from you in 2024?

I will be launching an NGO to help the youth make money through easy-to-learn digital skills. Skills such as creating digital forms, and creating workflow systems for small organisations. I will be participating in community outreaches to help people overcome drug addiction.