"You're Doing Well, Mama": Mzansi Woman Opens Up About Life as a Single Mom in Korea

• A South African mom living in Korea shared a raw look at raising her child alone while working full-time abroad
• She spoke openly about balancing work, motherhood, and the emotional toll that comes with being far from home
• Her story went viral and resonated with many who understand the sacrifices behind chasing better opportunities
• Briefly News spoke to Sthabile Mthethwa, a South African living in Germany, about the emotional realities of living abroad and the quiet sacrifices that come with it

A single mother living abroad didn’t glamorise the journey; she showed the reality many parents quietly live through.

A South African woman living in Korea has sparked conversation after osharingening up about the realities of raising a child alone, far from home. User @mfundo_momo posted the video on 1 February 2026, where she shared a glimpse into her daily life as a single mother and English teacher in Korea. Two years after relocating with her daughter, she explained why she chose to speak honestly about the challenges she faces, hoping to give other aspiring moms a realistic picture of what life abroad can look like. Her video showed her balancing work and motherhood, with her daughter often by her side while she works.

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Living and working abroad as a single parent comes with layers of pressure, especially in a country where the culture, language and pace of life are very different. Many South Africans who move overseas for teaching opportunities often speak about better pay and safety, but fewer talk about the emotional weight. Long work hours, limited family support, and the constant push to provide can be exhausting. Despite this, she shared that her work environment has been supportive, allowing her to manage her responsibilities while still being present for her child.

Life abroad isn’t always easy

The video by user @mfundo_momo quickly gained traction because it reflected a reality many parents understand. Her honesty about mom guilt, exhaustion and pushing through for her why struck a chord. Instead of painting life abroad as perfect, she chose authenticity, showing both the struggle and the small moments that make it worthwhile.

Many praised her strength and vulnerability, while others shared their own experiences of parenting far from home. The overall reaction reflected admiration for a woman doing her best in circumstances that aren’t always ideal, reminding viewers that survival often looks different behind the scenes.

Sthabile spoke to Briefly News and said one of the hardest adjustments has been leaving behind familiar comforts from home.

“Firstly, it’s the food. I’m a foodie from Durban. I love flavour and spice, and here it feels like the only spice they know is plain salt.”

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Beyond food, she said, the absence of Ubuntu has been one of the most difficult things to navigate.

“There is no real spirit of Ubuntu here. When you are here, it’s just you by yourself. You have to figure most things out on your own. People can be kind and helpful, but it’s not the norm the way it is back home.”

Despite calling her loved ones daily, homesickness remains a constant companion.

“Not a day goes by without calling my family. But homesickness still hits hard, especially when someone close passes away, and I can’t attend the funeral.”

She described the emotional toll of feeling torn between two worlds.

“It’s a constant reminder that I’m living life, but it also feels like it’s passing me by. I can’t have the best of both worlds. My grandparents are ageing, my parents are getting older, and my siblings are too. I can’t have a stable job and strong family relationships in one place at the same time.”

Looking back, Sthabile believes living abroad has changed her in unexpected ways.

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“It forced me out of my comfort zone. I was reserved and shy growing up, but being here made me bolder. I had to step up and lead.”

While she remains grateful for the opportunity, her connection to home has never faded.

“Home will always be home. I’m thankful for where this journey has brought me. Right now, home is where I am, and home is also where my family is.”

Here’s what Mzansi said

Dee commented:

“As mothers, we always have to sacrifice the most and do what we have to do to raise our kids to the best of our ability. You’re doing an amazing job. 🙏❤”

Zah M commented:

“You are doing a great job. 🥰”

Brenda M commented:

“I also emigrated from my country, but I’m not in Korea. My 14-year-old daughter joined me after a year apart. Being with our children is the best decision ever, no matter the challenges. The year we were apart was not easy, but I had to settle and bring her over when stable. We just finished two months reunited.”

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Jamie Turner commented:

“You are doing a great job. I went through your other TikToks, and just seeing your baby girl happy and smiling put a smile on my face. Your sacrifices are all worth it. You are creating wonderful memories with her that no one can take away. Continue being the superstar mom you are.”

Nomie-San commented:

“You’re doing great, Mommy. ❤”

Jojo commented:

"You are doing an incredible job, keep it up. 🫶🏼”

Vuyo commented:

“Zala, I’m proud of you. Even at my big age, I hate going to the mall alone. 🤣🤣 You took on a whole country alone with your child.”

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Other Briefly News stories about single moms

• A single mother surprised her son with new basketball shoes, capturing his heartfelt reaction and excitement in a viral TikTok video.
• A determined KwaZulu-Natal single mom captured the hearts of thousands after documenting her courageous journey back to the classroom to secure a better future.
• A single mom and content creator shared photos of what she accomplished in one month through Facebook content creation.

Source: Briefly News