Manganye gets surprise birthday party
ALEXANDRA – Tell that boy, Ramaphosa, to come and visit us as we mark 45 years of the institution, Dr Manganye orders Bapela.
Itlhokomeleng Home for the Aged staff and community members organised a surprise 91st birthday party for the home’s founder Dr Marjorie Manganye on January 31.
Board chairperson of Itlhokomeleng Abbey Mangolele defended the decision to organise the party even though Manganye often tells her staff that her birthday does not supersede those of the elderly residents of the home.
In line with Manganye’s wish, there was a joint celebration with other residents of the home which was attended by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister and Alex resident Obed Bapela.
Defending the surprise party, Mangolele said it was ‘important for us to honour and acknowledge the good work of our founder while she is still alive and this party was organised along those lines’.
“We wanted to afford ourselves, as your [Manganye] staff along with members of the community, the opportunity to tell you first-hand how we feel about your selfless work within our community.
“I think it is important that people are told how good they are while they are still alive and can hear those praises in their lifetime. As much as it is also important to pay eulogies to the late, it is also necessary to praise people for their good work while they still live,” Mangolele said.
In reply, Manganye insisted that her birthday party must never be bigger than those of the residents. “As much as I welcome your efforts to have an opportunity to speak about me when I am still alive, I still believe we’re all big in the eyes of God,” she said.
“I am such a blessed little girl. When you turn 91 years you become a little girl,” added Manganye who is fondly referred to as ‘Mother Teresa of Alex’ in recognition of her community work.
Speaking to Bapela earlier, Manganye asked him to convey a message to President Cyril Ramaphosa to come and visit the home. “Tell that boy, Ramaphosa, to come and visit us as we mark 45 years of the institution.”
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