Born in District six in 1950; he was only 3 years old when his mother died. How sad it is not to have a picture of the one who brought you into this world?
Raised by his paternal grandmother who was blind, he became her ‘eyes’.
This gentleman openly shared his longing for the love of a mother. That’s why he gets very upset when he sees kids being rude to their parents, he says. He would always wonder what it would have been like had he been raised by his own mom. He imagines how she would have reprimanded him to come in from outside to eat the food that she would have prepared. It really brought a sense of melancholy into the room where we were interviewing.
Nothing could ever make up over the years for that longing sense to ‘just belong’.
He says he became a traveler from a very young age and found some solace with his friends. It is understandable then why he values the friendships he formed over the many years and they have kept close.
Maternal aunts/uncles provided the material things he needed in life.
Because some uncles were painters in trade it naturally became an interest for him.
Mogamat really puts a high value on respect for one’s parents. He is passionate when he talks about raising one’s kids from a young age to follow a good role model.
He also likes to reminisce about the ‘good old days’ especially how simple life used to be.
When asked about his friendships and whom he really admires, one of his friends namely Ishmail, who modeled to him how to be a ‘well-dressed young man’ is mentioned quickly. “I’m not talking about name brands, but about taking pride in what you wear; looking after your clothes, polishing your shoes”, and who motivated him to stay out of trouble.
I must say I think young men today can learn a lot from the older generation – for instance keeping your shoes polished and shined, and well presented.
Countless time he emphasises that he doesn’t want to be famous but that respect for your parents (your mother is your mother irrespective of what OR who she is) are very important.
He likes Motown music (do you remember the LP’s and 7-singles?); that was music with a meaning.
He volunteers on the premises, and he has a precise handle on what is going on at the Centre. If ever you meet a man who takes his responsibilities then this gentleman is it!
He values honesty in his dealings with people. And secondly puts great value on discipline.
Advice from him to young people is to always find someone that you can learn something from. Try to find someone who can ‘lift you up to a higher level than when you are currently finding yourself.’
I must be honest and say he didn’t initially take to our interviewing him very easily. He was very skeptical as to what would happen to the information he shared. I had to assure him more than once that the outcome of the interview would only be shared with his blessing. After everything was said and done, I really took the importance of having parents that are alive to heart. And vowed to make even more effort to keep in touch with mine. Having almost felt his heartbreaking at the emptiness of never having had the good fortune to ‘know’ his own Mother; someone which he wished with his whole heart that he could have known.
So folks, take this lesson to Heart: We only have one Mother – let’s cherish her and love her to the very best of our ability. More especially since it is Women’s Month, let’s take the time out to love on our Mothers with more vigor and with utmost Care and Respect.