Okay, folks, let’s talk about Brenda Ngxoli. You know, the phenomenal actress who can switch from comedic genius to heart-wrenching drama faster than you can say “Oscar nomination” (and, frankly, deserves one already)? Yeah, that Brenda.

She’s been making the rounds promoting her new rom-com, “A Scam Called Love,” which, by the way, sounds absolutely hilarious and is playing in 60 cinemas across South Africa. Go check it out! But, predictably, it’s not just the movie that’s got people talking. It’s the fact that during a recent interview on Newzroom Afrika, she had her daughter, Sky, right there on her lap.

Queue the outrage. Or, more accurately, a smattering of outrage mixed with a whole lot of support and some good old-fashioned keyboard warrior-ing.

So, what’s the big deal?

Well, according to some, it’s “unprofessional.” It’s “inappropriate.” Someone even suggested that because Brenda now has “some money,” she should “hire someone to look after the child for an hour.” Eye roll so hard I almost saw my brain.Seriously? Is this what we’re doing? Judging a working mother for… checks notes… bringing her child to work? In 2024?

Let’s break this down, shall we?

Firstly, Brenda Ngxoli has been incredibly open about her past struggles. She’s talked about financial hardships and family issues. Remember when she bravely shared her story of emotional and financial abuse within her family? This woman has been through the wringer and came out stronger, fiercely independent, and building a beautiful life for herself and her daughter.

Secondly, and this is a BIG one, who are we to dictate how a mother chooses to raise her child? Especially a single mother who’s juggling a demanding career and the responsibilities of parenthood?

Let’s get real. The “ideal” image of a working mother, the one where she effortlessly juggles conference calls and perfectly packed lunches while maintaining a serene smile and never breaking a sweat, is a complete and utter myth. Motherhood is messy. It’s chaotic. It’s unpredictable. And sometimes, it means bringing your kid to work because that’s the only way you can make it all work.

The Double Standard is Real

I’m just gonna say it: I highly doubt a male actor bringing his child to an interview would receive the same level of scrutiny. The expectation that mothers are somehow superhuman beings capable of seamlessly separating their personal and professional lives is a deeply ingrained societal issue that needs to be addressed.

We need to stop judging women for being human. Stop judging them for making tough choices. Stop judging them for prioritizing their children.

The Good News: The Support is Strong!

Thankfully, not everyone is living in the 1950s. There were plenty of comments praising Brenda for being a doting mother and celebrating the fact that she’s comfortable enough to bring her child into her professional space. These are the voices we need to amplify. The voices that understand the realities of modern motherhood. The voices that celebrate the strength and resilience of women like Brenda Ngxoli.

One commenter summed it up perfectly: “I think it’s wonderful that she is with her daughter. Well done, mamma.”

Exactly! Well done, Brenda! You’re an inspiration, not just as an actress, but as a mother who’s showing her daughter that she can be anything she wants to be.

Let’s Focus on What Matters: Her Talent!

Instead of dissecting her parenting choices, let’s talk about Brenda’s incredible talent. Let’s talk about her portrayal of Naledi Cele’s mother in “A Scam Called Love.” Let’s talk about the dedication and passion she brings to every role she plays.

She describes her character as an “ice queen” who is actually hiding a deep-seated pain caused by love. Sounds intriguing, right? It’s exactly the kind of complex character that Brenda Ngxoli excels at portraying.