Queens fix each other's crowns

09 August 2020 - Women's Day. So on a Thursday night, scrolling on my Facebook account, a post popped up that really caught my attention more so it was posted by someone I respect dearly Mpho. I truly admire people who find joy in giving more than receiving especially if they have the capacity, so Mpho Nyangintsimbi - Miss Bachelorette Finalist 2020 is one of those, well according to me. Back to the post, it was an invitation to what I refer to as a 'Flower drive' and I reached out to ask how can I help or partner as the poster is aligned to what I believe in - which is giving. Mpho willingly allowed me into her space to partner up with her and we both played our role both in preparation and execution of the mini gathering. Post the event, Mpho responded to 3 questions that were most asked by our followers for us to answer about the event and her responses were as follows : Q: In the beginning, what were your emotions, where was your head at? A: "I was really looking forward to seeing all the smiles of all the beautiful women at Jubillee mall. I, for one gets so excited especially when people just show the token of love irregardless of how small the gift can be, I believe that it's the thought that counts and where the heart of a person is at upon receival of the gift which matters." Q: Mention two moments that stole your heart A:"The first has to be, after giving one of an elderly lady a chocolate and a flower and she just grabbed and hugged me before i could even say 'mama social distancing', her smile and gratitude were just piercing through the mask and I was overwhelmed. The second one was when this other lady said to me 'I can't believe that there are people who still give away free things in this world without expecting anything' it showed me how people are really longing to be loved and appreciated without expectations." Q: What lessons did you take from the whole experience? A: "Ive learnt that being kind doesn't cost a cent, smiling at a complete stranger could actually save them from suicidal thoughts. " Pogiso P Mokwena

I've also had the opportunity to answer the above listed questions. I haven't done an physical charitable work in over four months since we've gone digital due to the pandemic , I was honestly excited to just uplift someone's spirit, to see people's eyes beam out of gratitude and obviously a little nervous about the response of people receiving a gift in the midst of this pandemic. Honestly, both Mpho and I had our moments separately but one that we had in common was receiving a hug. I still remember the lady dressed in a red and black attire, she pulled me closely and said "Covid or no Covid, you two (Referring to me and Mpho) deserve a whole more than this stolen hug" - that made me tear up a bit. Another moment has to be, a lady dressed in navy blue and white stripped t-shirt and navy blue skirt - I said "Hi mama..", she said "No I'm fine", increasing the pace of her trolley, some of her items rolled out and in the process of helping her, I said "We are not selling, we just want to appreciate you" her response was "Impossible", I handed her a chocolate and flower and walked away to show her, there's nothing more that I wanted from her but to remind her of the power she holds. The biggest lesson that I took from the whole experience, is that as women we are so used to giving and not receiving that when we do, that comes as a shock and for some reason we seem to have forgotten what being loved and appreciated feels like. We should be in the business of practicing self affection and appreciation more, so that when we are to receive it from someone else it doesn't come as a shock. Writer : Pogiso P Mokwena

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Mpho Nyangintsimbi