East family celebrates gogo’s 104th birthday
She celebrated her 104th birthday with her family and friends at her home on February 3.
A proud gogo from Mamelodi celebrated her 104th birthday and remembers the days of her youth “as if it were yesterday”.
Onki Sarah Kgatle from Mamelodi East, section 13 was born six months earlier than the l
ate former president Nelson Mandela.
Born in 1918 on February 3, she celebrated her 104th birthday with her family and friends at her home on Thursday.
She was married to the late Daniel Mpolofu Kgatle. When they moved from Marabastad to Mamelodi they were among the first people to stay in Mamelodi.
Gogo Kgatle has a total of 12 children including a set of twins, unfortunately only five are still alive. She also has 34 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
She is still going strong and eats a healthy balanced diet every day.
Gogo Kgatle said she was in the school choir that sang and welcomed the Prince of Wales when he visited South Africa in the 1940s.
She said unfortunately she could not continue going to school, because both her parents fell ill. She was forced to become a domestic worker at an early age.
“I was among the group of people who were outside the court during the Rivonia trial of Nelson Mandela and others who were convicted in the 1960s,” said Gogo.
She has no health issues to speak of.
Her hearing is still good, she is still able to read, her eyesight is very good and she is able to use her cellphone.
Gogo Nkgatle said though her children and grandchildren don’t want her to work hard or do chores because of her age, she believes in doing everything for herself.
“Sometimes they take me to the doctor for a medical check-up for high blood pressure and such,” she said.
Surrounded by her family members at her birthday party she was still hands on and entertaining her family members.
She said she had lived a very fulfilling life without drinking any alcohol or smoking.
Gogo Kgatle always shares stories of her life from a tender age.
Grandchild, Paulinah Kgatle (51) said her granny taught them a lot of things in life especially discipline and respect.
“She was tough during her days. When she told you to do something you better do that or else you’ll get punished.
“I make sure she eats healthy every day, no salts or curry in her food, she likes her vegetables and fruits,” said Paulinah.
“Gogo Kgatle raised us with respect and we always come to her for advice.”
Gogo Kgatle sweeps her yard and sometimes cooks but she likes toasted bread with margarine.
Her children said the birthday celebration is a way of showing her that they really appreciate what she has done for them throughout the years and she must continue doing that.
ALSO READ: TMPD clamp down on suspected drug dealers
Gogo Kgatle’s birthday wish was to continue living a healthy and strong life.
She concluded by advising the youngsters to take care of their bodies by always eating healthy and to stay away from drugs and crime.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
