Grieving TV star Mpho wa Badimo shaves her head to honour her late mother
REALITY TV star Mpho Wa Badimo, known for winning “Big Brother Mzansi” Season 3, has opened up about her journey through grief following the death of her mother.
In an Instagram post, Mpho shared how her grief has transformed her and the emotional steps she has taken to find healing.
“There is something about grief that changes you forever not only do you grieve the loss of your loved one but you also grieve who you were before your loss”.
Mpho, whose real name is Michelle Mvundla, acknowledged the painful process of dealing with grief.
“It hasn't been the easiest of transitions but l've slowly learnt to live with the pain and welcome grief as part of my journey.”
The reality star also wrote about the spiritual and cultural importance behind her decision to shave her hair, a practice often observed in African traditions as a symbol of mourning.
“Our hair is our crown, and removing it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of respect, honour, and recollecting our strength,” she explained.
“In honour of my mom, I shaved off my hair as a sign of respect and allowing myself to heal and let go.”
Mpho described the emotional relief that came with this act, noting that hair can carry the weight of memories, both good and bad.
“Our hair carries energies and memories and sometimes trauma and pain that we’ve experienced in our lives, so cutting it off helps in the releasing of that energy and allowing healing in both spirit and the physical.”
Reflecting on the depth of her loss, Mpho shared how the death of her mother affected her.
“I cried tears that could fill an ocean, weeping the loss of my mother.”
She also wrote about finding resilience. “Rain makes the flowers grow, and in life, you either choose to stay down and wallow in your pain and die, or you choose to take back your power and rise like the phoenix that you are.”
Mpho’s mother, Elizabeth Nonjebo Mvundla died on August 6, following an illness and was laid to rest on August 16.
In her post, Mpho said with a powerful reflection on how grief has changed her.
“Dear Grief, you took away my life, but you also gave birth to my soul.”