Lessons My Mother Taught Me

In honor of mother's day, a few inspirational South Africa's share the lesson's their mothers taught them

The best lessons we learn from our mothers often don’t come about from what they tell us but rather through their actions.

In honour of Mother’s Day this Sunday, we asked inspiring South Africans to share with us the lessons their mother’s taught them.

Ryan Sandes, trail runner and world record breaker

My mom taught me to always respect other people and love animals. My earliest childhood memories are of my pet sheep, playing with rabbits, chickens and my dog. I think us humans can learn so much from animals. It is so important to have respect for fellow man. I think the world is lacking this today.

Sarah Graham, host of “Sarah Graham’s Food Safari” and cookbook author

Lessons My Mother Taught Me - Sarah Graham — Sarah Graham

My Mum taught me to slow down, always make time for tea, to keep it simple and live a life as uncluttered and unprocessed as possible. She’s also a huge advocate for natural, healthy eating. It was no strange thing to go to bed with muslins hanging from the kitchen cupboards making overnight cream cheese, and I love that wholesomeness.

Trevor Stuurman, Global African style influencer

Lessons My Mother Taught Me - Trevor Stuurman — Trevor Stuurman

My mother taught me that a man is made by his manners

Sarah Whitehead, Doctor, Masters student, Author and stereotype killer

Lessons My Mother Taught Me - Sarah Whitehead — Sarah Whitehead and her mother

My mom taught me to never give up on your passion. Watching her as I grew up taught me a lot about persistence, tenacity and determination!

Phindi Gule, Media Proffesional, MC, Speaker and Comrades Finisher

Lessons My Mother Taught Me - Phindi Gule — Phindi Gule and her mother

In life there will always be people who have MORE than you and those with LESS than what you have – make peace with the space you occupy AND help others whenever possible.

Landie Greyling, professional trail runner and Salomon Athlete

Lessons My Mother Tuaght Me Landie Greyling — Landie Greyling and her mom

My mother taught me that through self-belief, dedication and hard work you can reach your dreams. She is also a great role-model of the saying “Choose to be kind over being right, and you will be right every time.”

Barry Lewin, surfski professional

Lessons My Mother Taught Me - Barry Lewin — Barry Lewin

My mother taught me “FOOD IS FUEL” so eat up!

Brandon Hinton, Sport Scientist & founder of Pure Athlete Performance

Lessons My Mother Taught Me Brandon Hinton — Brandon Hinton and his family

My mom has taught me so much. But to bottle it up into a few words, I’d have to say, find what you are passionate about in life.-No matter how weird or crazy it may be to you or the world. Then go after it, day-after-day, until you reach that dream. Doing that will not only bring happiness to yourself, but to those around you too, and that’s the most important thing in life – happiness.

Emma Smith, Billabong Team Surfer

Lessons My Mother Taught Me Emma Smith — Emma Smith

My mom has taught me so many lessons. I am who I am because of her. The most beneficial lessons my mom has taught me from a young age was food and health. How food can be a healer, energizer and tool in all round health. My mom has always taught me to value heart and character growth and to look after and steward my health. My mother has taught and provided so many ways to be able to live a healthy lifestyle that I am so thankful for. My mother constantly encourages me in the authority we have over our mind and the power of grace to know that even when you fail you always have the choice to start again afresh.

John McInroy, Founder of The Unogwaja Challenge, Unowgaja Charitable Trust and Red Sock Fridays

Lessons My Mother Taught Me - John McInroy — John McInroy and his mother baking brownies

I love my mom and sometimes feel sad because I don’t tell her so much and don’t see her often. I hope that she knows that I have learnt so much from her. I have gained so much strength from her love that is ever present, no matter how many thousand miles are between us.
The greatest lesson I have learned from my mother is to be kind. The way she cares for other people and serves them in her quiet and unassuming way, without expecting anything in return is a real inspiration to me. I am so proud to be her son.

In addition to my mother I am also privileged to be able to call Mama Ntuthu Tsolekile’s home in Langa, my home.

I have never in my life before experienced a community and a belonging like I am experiencing in Langa. At a time of massive change in my life, the love I have received and felt being in Langa and in Mama’s home has given me so much strength and hope.

One of the greatest lessons I have learnt from Mama is that of truth and being prepared to give tough love no matter how hard it may be. From the minute I moved into her home she has treated me like everyone else in the household and does not try to disguise or sugar coat anything. I really admire her for this. I have genuinely been made to feel that her home is my home and I am so truly grateful

Ndiyakuthanda kakulu! Enkosi mama.

What lessons have you learned from your mother? Share them in the comments below.