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13 May 2012

I would like to extend good wishes to all South African mothers and grandmothers on this important occasion of celebrating Mother's Day.

This day that reminds us of the special people in our lives and our country, the mothers of our nation. We think of mothers in all types of families, families that are well-off and content, families in distress or living in poverty, families that are separated due to all sorts of reasons and families that extend a loving hand to others by offering love and support.

The common denominator in all these types of families is the presence of mothers or mother figures that pull everybody together all times, providing unity, strength, direction, comfort and support. We congratulate mothers for playing this role of building families, communities and our nation.

On this special day we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to grand-mothers. Although having completed their official parental role, many grandmothers in our country continue to head households and to raise children.

We congratulate the granny-headed households which play a key role in maintaining positive family life and providing love and care to many children who would otherwise be alone, due to parents working far from home, or having passed on.

Many grandmothers share their meagre income with many family members in poor South African households, thus contributing meaningfully and practically in the alleviation of hunger caused by unemployment and poverty.

Mother's day is therefore a special day in many ways and for many reasons for our mothers, grandmothers and society in general.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers and grandmothers in our country!

Enquiries
Mac Maharaj, Presidential Spokesman
Cell: 079 879 3203

Issued by: The Presidency
13 May 2012

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