Thobeka Majozi, Penny Lebyane and Nonku Williams/ Picture: Instagram
In light of this Mother’s Day, Asanda Munyu and her dynamic team hosted and debuted a successful One Mom Every Role event, which aims to empower single moms, as well as create a safe space where they can feel seen and heard.
According to founder and event director Asanda Munyu, One Mom Every Role is “an initiative that exists to advocate for single mothers not just emotionally, but practically too.” This initiative is not merely a one-day event, but the beginning of a movement that seeks to acknowledge some of the challenges and experiences that are unique to single moms, as this demographic has quickly become the backbone of society.
During the highly anticipated event, which took place on 10 May 2025 at the Radisson Collection Hotel in the heart of Cape Town, the importance of establishing communities and villages of support was a major emphasis, as a common challenge plenty of single mothers have expressed going through is feeling alone, and possibly overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a mother.
The event, which was nothing short of inspiring and empowering, was MC’d by the one and only Lebo Mehlomakhulu, who led with so much vulnerability, allowing for attendees to put their guard down and openly share their experience and challenges that come with parenthood, in a room filled with the people who also have first-hand experience.
The iconic Penny Lebyane opened things up by sharing her personal experience with unexpectedly dealing with navigating parenthood without the other responsible party. Although admitting to needing to put her big girl panties on, she also acknowledges the role that her community she has built has also played an important role in keeping her sane and afloat.
“I have had to rely on my mother, and at the same time my brothers, who have helped me deal with issues like my son’s circumcision or getting a driver’s license.”
Notable names such as Nonku Williams and Thobeka Majozi revealed how, despite being in the limelight, they have not been spared from the a lot of the challenges that single mothers go through during a powerful discussion anchored by BONA’s editor-in-chief Viwe Ntlebi. Similarly to others, they too highlight the importance of having a circle of trusted people to help when needed. Furthermore, these ladies open up about parenting while being in the public eye, and how to navigate that.
After experiencing the event first-hand, one can confidently claim that the initiative achieved its goal of wanting to empower single mothers, and making them feel seen and heard through shared experiences with other moms. So much so that Asanda revealed plans to expand to Johannesburg this October, where a similar event will be held.
Key sponsors and partners such as Amazi, KellaNova, Easy Quities, Standard Bank and Revlon proved that they lead by example when it comes to supporting single mothers, and have forged a path for many others to follow. This buy-in by these major brands acts a beacon of hope, as Asanda and her team, along with the group of strong mothers who were present at the event fight for their place in society, by advocating things like policies that look to support them more, as well as imparting more accountability for men in society.
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