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Gogo Mainganya Mudonde celebrated her 103rd birthday the past weekend.

Respected gogo celebrates 103rd birthday

 

Gogo Mainganya Mudonde celebrated her 103rd birthday in style during a colourful birthday party held at her home at Ha-Ramahantsha on Saturday.

It was a delightful day to many of the friends, family members and residents who joined her to celebrate her birthday. The son of granny Mudonde, Mr Samuel Mudonde, said that the aim of the party was to show their mother that he, together with his brothers, sisters and grandchildren, loved her. “This is another way of showing appreciation to the senior citizens. I believe that, as from today, my mother will really believe that we love her too,” he said.

Pastor Sonnyboy Masuka said the celebration was an historic event. “A family who does not have senior citizens lacks advice, as they provide wisdom,” said Masuka. He thanked the family for not sending their granny to the old-age home and for deciding to live with her “in the smooth pace” of their home.

Gogo Mudonde says the secret of her long life is eating healthy food and listening to the elders. “I enjoyed fruits and vegetables throughout my life, and I have never tasted alcohol. We played a lot of games, including ndode, and that kept our bodies and minds strong. There were certain taboos that the elders told us not to do, and I believe that increased the days of our lives.”

She says today’s people are dying at young ages because of the food they eat and they have totally diverged from their traditional cultural practices. “I thank God because it has never been easy for any person to see more than two generations. That is why I pray on a daily basis before I go to bed.” She spends most of her time telling tales to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “It is a pity that there is no one documenting these stories. I would like more generations to know about our times, although I believe that I will still live for many years.”

Her final advice is: “If you live a clean life like me, God will bless you and you will live long. Respect your elders and preserve your culture. Eat healthy food and distance yourself from alcohol.”

She was blessed with six children, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Gogo Mainganya Mudonde is escorted to the tent by relatives during her 103rd birthday celebration.

 

Date:30 April 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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