[category]
[title]
Ouma, Gogo, Nana, Dhaadi, Grandma, Meemaw. These are a few of the endearing names that we all call our beloved grandmothers, and their love, sacrifices and generation-shaping wisdom is being celebrated at The Backyard in Fairland.
The event, hosted by Zaakirah Halim, will unfold at The Backyard in Fairland on 31 October, giving grandchildren an opportunity to appreciate their grannies. The grandmothers will also get a chance to connect with their peers, share experiences, make meaningful memories and maybe even new friends.
The importance of grandmothers
Zaakirah found it important to celebrate grandmothers, especially given how their role in society has evolved as women’s participation in the economy and workforce evolved. The time they spend with their grandchildren, she adds, is even more precious because of how limited it can sometimes be.
“The love they give is very underrated. Them being a support structure for working mothers is invaluable now more than ever because raising a child while you’re juggling so many other things is hard,” says Zaakirah.
This speaks volumes about the selflessness of grandmothers because at that age, a lot of them are navigating the loss of their spouses, divorce and illness; yet they still show up for the younger generations.
Zaakirah’s grandmother is now late but she has fond memories of the woman they used to call Ma, who had more than 30 grandchildren who all grew up together as siblings instead of cousins.
“My grandmother was that maternal overarching matriarch. When she passed on, a lot of that family structure sort of broke down. I always have to explain to my daughter that this is her cousin because everyone has gone on to live their own lives.”
The intergenerational experience is a pro-women initiative that older granddaughters can attend with an adult ticket, however both boys and girls under the age of 12 are also welcome.
What to expect from A Celebration of Grandmas
- What: A Celebration of Grandmas
- Where: The Backyard, Fairland
- When: 11:00AM 31 October
- Cost: R350 for ladies (adults/older granddaughters) and R110 for kids under 12 on Quicket
Guests will sit down for a three-course meal, enjoy a massage, feed their inner child with games and sponsored prizes, as well as imbibe wisdom from feminist journalist Gail Smith who will deliver words of motivation. All the activities are being supplied by women-owned businesses.
Childless by choice, Smith is known for centering the histories, narratives and ancestral legacies of African grandmothers and mother figures in her work. The audience will also get a chance to engage with her.
Among the prizes is hair treatment from Linden hair salon, Graffiti Hair, which is owned by the grandmotherly Marna Bean, as well as manicures and pedicures.
Isaya Artisanal has donated one of their handcrafted handbags as one of the prize giveaways. Its founder is 19-year-old Isabela Rojas, and the involvement of young women in celebrating grandmothers speaks volumes about women’s natural inclination to be a communal species.
Lebs Spa, owned by Lebohang Kamela, will pamper some of the guests with 15-minute massages and Zaakirah has also curated a hamper for the grandma and granddaughter duo who will best live up to the neutral colour theme.
“For the kids we have a crafting activity by Aunty Shereen who is a cancer survivor. She is the most beautiful woman inside and out and she is someone who sees the value in mothers and grandmothers,” Zaakirah explains.
Grandmothers’ lives revolve around their grandchildren but there is very little that we do as a society to say, “Grandma, we see you.”
Fancy winning a trip to Zanzibar, some cash or other cool prizes? Take The Great Big SA Lifestyle Survey and you could be a winner!
TIME OUT JOHANNESBURG RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
📢 Latest news from Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city.