Mothers’ love too hot at icy Joburg Zoo concert

09 May 2016

 

Hundreds of families yesterday (Sunday May 8) braved the cold snap to fill up the Johannesburg Zoo for the second annual Kaya FM Mother’s Day Concert.

  

Music from the evergreen Sibongile Khumalo, soulful Lira and exciting Zonke warmed up families attending the concert to celebrate mothers’ love.

 

Kaya FM personalities such as Tbos, MoG and Bob Mabena also played classic hits such as Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry and Tupac Shakur’s Dear Mama to rekindle the motherly love among the crowd, while families enjoyed their picnics and took memorable selfies to mark the day. 

 

Many mothers, like Alice Rammusi of Soweto, received special treats from their children and were showered with messages of gratitude.  “I’ve enjoyed this surprise by my children. I felt appreciated. Most importantly, I would like to give thanks to Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo and all the organisers who have made this possible to recognise the important role mothers play in society,” she said.

 

The zoo was divided into three sections: live-streaming, band-standing and VIP areas to allow for the ease of movement and to manage the large numbers.   

 

Doreen Buys of Northwold, Randburg, said: “I got to see how other mothers celebrate this day. I’ve also adopted kids in my heart. I’ve mostly enjoyed the performance of Sibongile Khumalo.”

 

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau used the occasion to urge men not to get lost in the revelry but to use the day to embrace all mothers.   “We're proud to be in partnership with Kaya FM and Spar Supermarket in hosting this particular important day. This gives us the platform to say to all our mothers we appreciate who you are to us and we wish you everyday a happy Mother’s Day,” said Tau. 

 

He said it was important for men to recognise the significance of mothers in society. 

Imelda September of Ennerdale was lost in the spirit of the festivities with her three children. She also celebrated the memory of her mother, whom she lost recently.

 

“It has truly been amazing mingling with mothers from various parts of Johannesburg and I just want to say to all those who still have their mothers to appreciate them. Give them love and support, and everything they might need,” said September.

 

Kaya FM Managing Director Greg Maloka thanked all mothers for giving the nation guidance, life, lashings and nourishment.

“We’re using this platform to address the importance of motherhood and the crucial role mothers play in our lives. Without them we’re nothing,” said Maloka.