The thought of losing a parent is heartbreaking. A Tshakhuma-born filmmaker and musician, Tshidino Ndou, says he is going through a difficult time after losing his mother, Vhakhokheli Vho-Sophia Ndou, earlier this year.

Tshidino told Limpopo Mirror that he knew his mother would die in his lifetime, but he found it very hard to accept that she was gone forever. “I have just recovered from the pain of losing my father, Vhabishopo Vho-Makondelela Ndou in 2006. Now I have to go through the pain of losing my mother,” he said.

Dzhatsha Films & Vhadino Entertainment owner Tshidino is known for the hit song Ni songo nyadza, better known as Munwe na munwe u na zwine a tenda khazwo. The song was nominated in the Phalaphala FM Tshivenda Music Awards (Tshima) held at Thohoyandou Town Hall last year. He has three albums, Ndi do fa na inwi, Nne ndi nne and Ri khou phusha lyf under his belt.

He is also a facilitator at the Limpopo Film Production Project, which trains Limpopo filmmakers. The project is funded by Ashifa Entertainment, the National Youth Development of Agency and the National Film and Video Foundation.

Vhakhokheli died at the age of 67. She was blessed with six children, Arina, Ntsandeni, Tshidino, Takalani, Muofhe and Elelwani. “She was more than a mother to me. She played a major role and performed as an actress in my music videos and movies,” Tshidino said. In his latest music video, Mubebi Wanu, she acted as a mother chased away from the family by her disrespectful son. She also featured in Tshidino’s upcoming feature film, Nwana O Ngalangala.