Kwa-Thema – Family members, friends and community members gathered on May 9 to celebrate Violet Molefe’s 109th birthday. She was a mother of seven children and is survived by three.

Molefe’s last-born daughter, Velemina Chempi (80), expressed gratitude for God’s grace over her mother’s life.

She said her mother did everything she could to raise her children despite their impoverished background.

Chempi explained that they did not have a proper home or stable place to stay, but their mother always made a way for them.

“My father died when we were still very young. I watched my mother raise us with love and dedication, even when struggling to make ends meet,” she said.

“She worked as a domestic worker but still managed to raise seven children,” explained Chempi.

She added that her mother’s teachings shaped her into the person she is today.

“She taught me that the first step towards a great life is building a relationship with God,” she said.

Molefe’s church leader and party organiser, Nobantu Mabitsela, said she celebrates the elderly woman’s birthday every year.

“This is the seventh year of celebrating her life because it is a blessing to have such an elderly woman among us,” she said.

“We truly thank God for allowing us to gather every year, as well as the sponsors who continue to support us.”

Mabitsela said her wish is to make next year’s celebration even bigger.

She encouraged community members and businesses to sponsor, saying they would need items such as a tent, a sound system, a cow to feed guests, and enough food for attendees.

She also encouraged the community to view Molefe’s age as a milestone worth celebrating. Molefe encouraged others to fear God and live with love and respect.

“Fear God in order to live a long and fruitful life. Above everything, spread love and respect to others,” she said.

She thanked everyone who celebrated her birthday with her and said it made her happy to see that people, especially her family, still cared for her.

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