As part of the Mandela month celebration, SAPS officers in the metro paid tribute to 102-year-old Mongale Lizzy Mogudi in Mamelodi on July 25.

Mogudi was born on January 7, 1925, in Ramogudi, North West, and has witnessed and lived through more than a century of South African history.

She is a beloved matriarch, the proud mother of eight children, grandmother to 21 grandchildren, great-grandmother to 42, and great-great-grandmother to one.

In a heart-warming gesture of respect and appreciation, she was honoured by the SAPS, TMPD, Gauteng Traffic Department, and Gauteng Traffic Wardens. Together, they paid tribute to her strength, legacy, and impact on her family and community.

She was presented with warm slippers, a gown, a blanket, chocolate and a cake for her sweet tooth.

The elderly lady said she is very thankful for the day and to everyone who came through to celebrate her.

According to police spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk, the purpose of the visit was not only to celebrate her life, but also to reaffirm law enforcement’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of the elderly.

“It served as a reminder of the immense wisdom and value that senior citizens bring to our society, and the importance of safeguarding them against any form of abuse or neglect,” Van Dyk said.

Her eldest granddaughter, Irish Tshabalala, described Mogudi as a loving, patient, and very peaceful person.

“My grandmother taught me patience. I’ve learned quite a lot from her.”

Tshabalala said her grandmother is a picky person when it comes to her food, which she believes is what makes her strong and healthy even in her old age.

“My grandmother likes eating sorghum porridge, vegetables and fruits. She likes to eat oranges and bananas most of the time.”

She says she cherishes all the moments she spends with her grandmother, as she continues to learn from her.

“What I love most is that she raised us with love and respect. She taught us to turn to God and pray whenever we come across challenges. She also taught us to respect elderly people,” Irish explained.

Tshabalala said that in her spare time, her grandmother likes reading the Bible and watching the news on TV.

One of Modudi’s daughters, Johannah, shared: “When my mother wakes up, I normally exercise with her. We will walk around the yard together and stretch our legs and arms. She enjoys that a lot.”

Major General Anna Sithole, provincial champion of the women’s network in SAPS, highlighted the broad purpose behind the visit.

“Most of the time, people know us in terms of our work as police officials who prevent crime, do investigations and arrest suspects. But today we gathered together to do what is called nation-building,” Sithole said.

“As part of our prevention efforts, we ensure that the elderly people are taken care of and protected in terms of the Older Persons Act.

“So, we came here as SAPS women’s network and men for change to say to Koko Lizzy that we appreciate her very much and may God continue to bless her,” Sithole said.

She emphasised the wisdom of the elderly should guide the younger generation to build stronger, caring communities.

Police called on all community members to take a stand against the abuse of the elderly by reporting such cases to their nearest police station.

“Let us ensure that their voices are heard, their lives are protected, and their legacy honoured.”

ALSO READ: Beware fake TMPD recruitment scams, residents warned

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@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 or TikTok.