Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

30 October 2025

3-minute read

At the heart of Bless a Mzansi Mama, a growing movement that’s redefining what it means to create a village that uplifts, is founder Rochelle Rae. Born from her own experiences of motherhood, Rochelle set out to build a community where South African mums could truly connect, feel supported, and know that they’re not alone.

With her first baby being born “right in the middle of the COVID lockdown,” Rochelle’s own perception of motherhood was shaped, where the excitement that usually builds around a birth was lacking, and was replaced by a sense of isolation. A year ago, with the birth of her second baby and the notion that “it takes a village to raise a child,” Rochelle realized that with so much of her family living overseas, that “village” can be digital instead of physical. A longing to “create that safe, supportive village for mums,” led to the birth of Bless a Mzansi Mum.

Raised in a home where her parents were always fostering kids and handing out food parcels to those in need instilled in her the values of kindness and generosity. Rochelle was inspired to try to “lead by the same spirit” in showing care and empathy for other mums. She feels that we need “more kindness and empathy in our homes,” and really does hope to instil the same character traits in her own children.

While many mothers are struggling mentally, emotionally, and financially, a survey in her own community to find out what would lighten mums’ load revealed that 99% of mums felt that they would benefit from a grocery voucher more than anything else. Rochelle started the “mum community initiative,” where every month, mums can nominate themselves or another mum to receive a grocery voucher, thereby transforming the lives of women in real, tangible ways and letting mums know that they are recognized, seen and supported by their community.

With over 13 years of experience in marketing for some of South Africa’s leading brands, she now channels her storytelling expertise to grow Bless a Mzansi Mama into a movement that uplifts mothers nationwide. She uses her invaluable skills to highlight what she does and to connect with mums, creating a space where real stories are shared and celebrated to unite mums from all circumstances.

Rochelle’s vision for Mzansi Mama and the “village” she’s building is to expand her reach nationwide with shirts or flyers with the Bless a Mzansi Mama logo that will be instantly recognizable. At the heart of her vision is that people show up for others in different ways to help this movement continue its endeavours to uplift mothers around the country. Rochelle reminds us that when women come together, hope grows, hearts heal, and communities thrive.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Day and Rochelle Ray.