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One-on-one with Modiehi Thulo - 'The one lesson I’ve learnt from Boity is humility'

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Modiehi Thulo opens up about Boity's mother.
Modiehi Thulo opens up about Boity's mother.

She is admired for her close relationship with her rapper daughter, and now, Modiehi Thulo opens up about her relationship with Boitumelo “Boity” Thulo, being a healer. and her fashion sense. 

Raising Boity wasn’t easy, because I wasn’t always present. I couldn’t always be with her, but when I was, she could feel my unconditional love. I tried to not burden myself with guilt. I knew that I wasn’t abandoning her but merely trying to provide and improve the situation at home so that she didn’t have to grow up the way I did. 

I wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea of my daughter’s life in the public eye. The first proposal for a reality show came in 2016 and again in 2018. My first thought was: ‘but Boitumelo, you’re so much of a loner, you live such a boring life – what will this reality show be about?’ It took Boity a while to come around, and when she eventually did, I wanted to know why. She simply replied: “I feel ready to share my life with the world. I’m ready to be vulnerable and show people the real me.” 

I was hoping not to be involved but clearly she had other plans, so I will support her, because she’s my child. 

READ MORE | Boity launches wig range called Be You by Boity

We balance our mother-friend relationship by respecting each other and not crossing certain lines. For example, we live together, so I don’t expect her to invite a guy for a sleepover. The same applies to me too. I put my foot down as a parent when needs be because I’m there to guide her. Whatever advice or teachings I impart comes from a place of genuine love. She knows I would never mislead her, and that she will understand my standpoint later.  

My journey to becoming a healer wasn’t a walk in the park because I was in denial for a long time. I was always told that I had healing hands, but would brush it off with the hope that it would go away. My life became a downward spiral. I realised that I had to accept my calling or everything I had lived for could be taken away. The fear and thought of my daughter’s life somehow being affected also scared me. In 2016, I finally accepted my calling and focused solely on doing ancestral work and my prophetic gift. 

READ MORE | 10 South African celebrities who answered the call to be traditional healers 

Fear kept me from accepting my gift. I didn’t know what it involved. In all honesty, we still associate ubungoma with evil and uncleanliness – there’s still so much shame associated with spiritual work, and that instils fear in gifted people.  

I don’t have an exercise routine. I used to take leisurely walks back in the days but I injured my back in an accident in 2018. As a result, I’m unable to walk for too long. My health mantra is: don’t sell your soul for anything, at any point in your life. That way, your soul will take care of your body. Wine is also my friend [chuckles]. 

Four fashion items I can’t live without. Shoes, handbags, sunglasses and belts. I invest in my handbags, whereas I’m easy with clothes. I can rock an item that costs R150. I can dress it so elegantly that you wouldn’t even suspect it costs that little. 

The one lesson I’ve learnt from Boity is humility. Even in her childhood, she would remain down-to-earth and humble. For example, she would never question when I’m unable to buy her something or act out by throwing tantrums. Also, she doesn’t brag, that’s a trait I deeply admire about her. 

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