Four generations gather as gogo turns 100
Grandchildren throw a party for their granny as she turns 100.
An elderly Tembisan woman was surprised and honoured on March 3 when all generations of her family gathered at her house to rejoice with her in her hundredth birthday celebration.
Neighbours were delighted to be part of a festivity that saw four generations flanking Gogo Sophia Gasana Khulu to wish her many more years to come. Gogo Khulu’s granddaughter, Gertrude Khulu (63), said her granny was born in Sophiatown in 1918 and grew up in Alexandra, formerly known as ‘The Township’, before arriving in Tembisa in 1970.
“Granny got married to my grandfather, Samuel Khulu, in 1941,” Gertrude said.
“She’s a loving person, quick to forgive other people, and she is a giving woman.
“She fed everyone who came to her asking for help.
“Gogo Khulu always puts respect first, and she taught all her grandchildren that respect will extend the days of their lives.”
Gertrude said she thanks God for keeping Gogo Khulu alive to see the fourth generation of her family.
She said all the grandchildren adore her. She also thanked all the community members who supported Gogo Khulu’s birthday celebrations.
“We want to thank and commend the church for taking care of our grandmother, as they come to check on her from time to time as she is now frail and unable to attend church services any more,” Gertrude said.
“When we ask her what her secret is to get to her age, Gogo Khulu emphasises the fear of God and respect for the elderly.
“Gogo spent most of her years serving the church.”
Neighbours took turns giving testimonies and reminiscing about the good times they have had with Gogo Khulu.
Ellen Tshabalala (68) said when she arrived in Tembisa in 1978, Gogo Khulu became a parent to her.
“When I got here we developed a good parent and daughter relationship,” Ellen said with tears in her eyes. “She was always guiding me in my marriage like a mother.”
Ellen added that she lacked words to express how she felt seeing Gogo Khulu hit the 100-year mark.
“I am speechless. I just want to thank her grandchildren for organising such a beautiful event for her.
“God must assist them to do more. I love Gogo Khulu, she must stick around longer.”
Gogo Khulu’s great-grandchild, Thulisile Khulu (26), said Gogo Khulu is everything to her.
“Gogo Khulu is somebody to look up to. I am blessed to have a great-grandmother.
“I wish many more years for her. She has seen great-great-great-grandchildren, and now she must witness their successes,” Thulisile joked almost in tears.
