What started out as sharing simple tips on motherhood has unfolded into an inspiring online community by mom of two, Rochelle Rae. Through Mzansi Mama, she is bringing mothers together to navigate the challenges of motherhood.
Durban, South Africa (25 September 2025) – Becoming a mother is like embarking on a rollercoaster ride you always knew would have ups and downs, but comes with underestimated twists and turns that you could use some help to steer through.
It’s a bumpy yet beautiful journey that mom of two, Rochelle Rae, knows well. It is also the very inspiration of an online village she created by chance: Mzansi Mama – a homegrown initiative that’s bringing mothers together in powerful ways.
What started as Rochelle simply sharing pictures of her little ones, mom hacks, budget-friendly Durban activities, and honest motherhood moments has grown into a community of over 12,000 South African moms.
“Like many women, I’ve often felt the absence of the ‘village’ people talk about when raising kids. With family abroad, that daily support wasn’t always there. So, I set out to create a space where moms could connect, relate, and uplift each other,” Rochelle tells Good Things Guy.
She is currently developing the Mzansi Mama website and recently launched the Bless a Mzansi Mama Project to ease the load many mothers experience by gifting them grocery vouchers.
“As the community grew to moms all over South Africa, I realised just how many of us were struggling. Not only financially, but also mentally. Each month, a mom is chosen to receive a voucher – not just as financial relief, but also as a moment of recognition and love from the village of moms around her. It’s about reminding her that she matters too,” Rochelle explains.
Though this particular project is currently self-funded, Rochelle hopes to partner with South African businesses to expand the reach and impact.
Rochelle also opened up about the positive difference her online community has had on mothers.
“Even before launching the Bless a Mzansi Mama Project, I would put together and give away treat hampers to a mom each month – just to do something kind and personal. The responses blew me away. Moms described those hampers as ‘a warm hug in a wrapper’.
“I’ve had moms tell me that it [Bless a Mzansi Mama Project] lifted their spirits at exactly the moment they needed it most. And now, with local businesses starting to come on board, I know these blessings will continue to grow in size and impact.”
As she continues to map the way forward for the future of Mzansi Mama, Rochelle does it for the ones who never get a break, who hardly put themselves first and continuously show up for their little ones every day – because every mama deserves to feel seen, valued and supported.
To learn more about this initiative, visit Mzansi Mama’s Facebook page or email Rochelle at hello@mzansimama.co.za
Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Rochelle Rae
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