Mihlali Ndamase’s Mother Pumla Ndamase: The Bond Behind the Brand

Who is Pumla Ndamase? She is the mother of South African beauty influencer and entrepreneur Mihlali Ndamase. Pumla is known publicly mainly through her daughter and her own Instagram, where her warm birthday tributes to Mihlali have drawn attention, including a 2023 message reported by Briefly.

Quick facts

What did Pumla Ndamase say about Mihlali?

Pumla keeps a respectful distance from the spotlight, which is part of why her words land when she does speak. For Mihlali’s 27th birthday in November 2023, she posted a message that began: “Today I gave birth to one of the most amazing souls, my Mafungwashe…” The tribute was picked up by Briefly, and it says a great deal in a few lines: pride, tenderness and a sense that the woman the public knows is, first, someone’s daughter.

There is no public biography of Pumla’s own career, and we would rather say that plainly than fill the gap with guesswork. Her story is hers to tell.

How Mihlali talks about supporting her family

Mihlali has been open about what her success means at home. In a 2020 interview with the Daily Dispatch, she reflected on providing for family and said: “I no longer just work for myself, which motivates me to push harder.”

That line is familiar to many South African women. Building a career often means building it for the people who raised you too. Mihlali’s roots are in Kokstad, where she was born on 29 November 1996, according to Wikipedia, and she has spoken about how far that start feels from where she is now. “I am from a very small town. I never imagined I would be on Forbes Africa at age 24,” she told The Herald in 2021. Read more about that path in Mihlali Ndamase’s journey from Kokstad to Forbes Africa.

Why the mother-daughter bond resonates

Followers rarely see the people behind a public figure, so a mother’s message cuts through the curated feed. It reminds you that confidence is usually built long before the cameras arrive, in kitchens and on school runs, by someone who believed first.

Mihlali’s work has since grown well beyond content. Her ventures include Malakyt, a platform connecting clients with makeup artists and beauticians, Mihlali’s Kloset, and the Siyasizana Foundation, which she co-founded with Dineo Nono, according to Wikipedia. When she says she no longer works only for herself, that circle now includes the people her businesses serve. We look at those ventures in more detail in Mihlali Ndamase’s businesses.

It is also a reminder to make time. Mothers are often the last to treat themselves. A morning set aside for the two of you, with no errands attached, can mean more than any wrapped gift.

Ideas for a mother-daughter pamper day in Sandton

Mihlali has her own link to our studio: when The Penthouse Beauty Studio launched at The Marc in Sandton in October 2024, she invited her followers to the opening in an Instagram reel. If her family story has you thinking about your own, here are a few ways to spoil your mother, or to go together:

• Book side by side. Reserve two appointments for the same morning on Fresha. A Japanese head spa for her and a fresh set of nails for you, or the other way round. See current prices on Fresha.
• Choose a bundle. Our monthly bundles make a thoughtful gift. The Natural Hair Wash & Care bundle is R850, and the Wig Care Bundle, which includes a wig treatment, wash, installation (SAN HD) and customisation, is R1,190.
• Let her choose. A digital gift card, available from R800 to R20,000, can be used for wigs, installs or salon services, so she books what she actually wants.
• Make it a ritual. If she loves a scalp treatment, our Spa-La-La treatments are a calm way to spend an hour together.

When you refer someone close to you, you each receive 10% off, so a shared visit can become a habit.

A quiet kind of influence

Mihlali’s career has been built in public. Her mother’s role has been played mostly offstage, and that is exactly what makes her rare public words so moving. If this story has you planning a day for the woman who raised you, send our team a message on WhatsApp and we will help you put it together.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mihlali Ndamase's mother?

Mihlali Ndamase's mother is Pumla Ndamase. She is known publicly mainly as Mihlali's mother and through her Instagram, where she has shared heartfelt birthday messages for her daughter. Her November 2023 tribute for Mihlali's 27th birthday was reported by Briefly.

What did Pumla Ndamase write for Mihlali's birthday?

For Mihlali's 27th birthday in November 2023, Pumla posted a tribute that opened with the words "Today I gave birth to one of the most amazing souls, my Mafungwashe…" The message, reported by Briefly, reads as a proud and loving note from mother to daughter.

What has Mihlali said about supporting her family?

In a 2020 Daily Dispatch interview, Mihlali spoke about providing for her family and said she no longer works just for herself, and that this motivates her to push harder. It is a sentiment many young South African professionals relate to.

Can I buy a pamper day as a gift for my mother?

Yes. The Penthouse digital gift card is available from R800 to R20,000 and can be used for wigs, installations or salon services such as nails, hair care and spa treatments. You can also book two appointments for the same morning on Fresha so you can go together.

Sources

• Briefly — Mihlali Ndamase's mother pens sweet birthday message to her
• Daily Dispatch — Mihlali Ndamase on black tax: I no longer just work for myself
• Wikipedia — Mihlali Ndamase
• The Herald — 'It just goes to show your dreams are valid': Mihlali N on making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list
• Instagram — Mihlali Ndamase, The Penthouse launch invitation reel

Written by The Penthouse Beauty Studio team at The Marc, 129 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton. Prices are in rand, include VAT and were correct at the time of publishing.