Gogos take centre stage at annual comp

TO acknowledge the vital contribution gogos make to the community, the Hillcrest AIDS Centre (HACT) hosted the highly anticipated Gogo of the Year awards ceremony in KwaNyuswa recently.

Hundreds of gogos and their family members gathered to celebrate. Dressed in a vibrant, hand-beaded costume, topped with a plume of feathers, the 72-year-old gogo, Thombi Nzama from Mathebethu, received first prize in the awards ceremony at Bambanani Hall. Khetiwe Nkosi from Mageza and Regina Nyubane from Molweni received second and third place, respectively.

The annual event is part of HACT’s highly esteemed Gogo Support Groups programme that supports more than 2 000 grandmothers across the Valley of 1000 Hills. These warrior women are the primary breadwinners and carers of their grandchildren, many of whom have lost one or more parents.

The winners were chosen because of their special efforts as carers, entrepreneurs, crafters, gardeners, volunteers and for activities related to HIV/AIDS and health, nutrition and fitness.

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This year, the participants came from as far afield as Qadi, KwaNyuswa, Inchanga, Molweni, Ngcolosi, Embo and Shongweni Dam, as well as from Clermont, KwaNdengezi, Georgedale and KwaXimba.

“I made my costume myself,” said newly crowned Gogo of the Year winner, Thombi Nzama.

“I have always been inspired by the achievements of others as I travelled place to place as a young woman. Now, I am a great grandmother and I am enjoying doing these things myself, for my family and community. I started young, but despite my age now, I still make time for my work. I enjoy sewing traditional attire for others, gardening and many other things.”

Certificates for the best Gogo Support Groups and best Gogo Group Gardens were awarded.

The event was also the platform for the graduation of more than 40 students from HACT’s sewing schools in Molweni and Ngcolosi.

“We are so proud of all the winners today and the time, resources and passion they give to so many activities,” said HACT’s Gogo Support Group programme manager and founder, Cwengi Myeni.

“These women inspire countless others through their independence and resilience, showing that everyone can make a difference, no matter what background or age you are. It is important that the next generation, the young people, learn from the commitment of their grannies to moving our communities forward, despite the many challenges they face.”

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Memorable moments included gogos dancing along the red carpet in front of the judges dressed in their colourful, hand-made costumes and the graduation of young and elderly sewing school students in the smart gowns, hats, skirts and blouses they made on their course. A traditional lunch was provided by volunteers from the KwaNyuswa community for all who attended the event.

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