Local gogo turns 109
Gogo attributes her long life to respect for her parents and everyone else and taking care of herself during her early years.
“Self respect, respect for elders and for other people is what got me to this age today,” was the advice from Gogo Mbikosi Josephine Sibanyoni of Thusi Village, Ermelo during her birthday when she turned 109 recently.
Gogo Sibanyoni, who has spent her whole life in Ermelo, is the only surviving child of four siblings, a mother of five children, a proud grandmother of 36 grandchildren and a great-grandmother of 28.
Gogo attributes her long life to respect for her parents and everyone else and taking care of herself during her early years.
Unlike that of many seniors, Gogo’s hearing is still adequate and she still has a sharp memory as she can recall the names of a number of different plants and trees and what they were used for when she was growing up.
One of Gogo’s granddaughters, Dumisile, said they are grateful still to have Gogo with them, as she still shares stories with them in the evenings.
Gogo celebrated her birthday with most of her grandchildren, some of whom came from far to ensure that she enjoyed the day. Family members take turns to have Gogo staying with them.
