Community in Wesselton throw huge party for Gogo Mthethwa who turns 100 years old
Members of the public are encouraged to donate anything to help in the preparations of Ms Mthethwa’s centenary celebrations.
Ms Martha Matalem Mthethwa turned 100 years old on 29 September.
She lives in Thembisa in Wesselton and will celebrate her centenary year with a big party that is organised by various members of the community and her family.
Born in Barberton, Ms Mthethwa moved to Ermelo more than five decades ago.
This widow of Mr Philemon Mthwethwa, is the mother of five children. Two have died and her youngest child is 74 years old.
Ms Mthethwa is the matriarch of the family of three generations and has 14 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
She still has recollections of the apartheid era and the “dom-pas”, identity book carried in the apartheid era, that she had to carry.
Ms Mthethwa proudly admitted that she voted in the 1994 elections and every other election thereafter.
This centenarian is no wilting flower and her vision and hearing are still good and she only uses a walking stick.
“I eat organic food all the time. Give me greens and red braai meat and I am happy,” Ms Mthethwa said.
A Catholic, Ms Mthwethwa is a God-fearing woman and attends church most Sundays.
When the Highvelder asked what has kept her going throughout the years, she smiled and said it is her faith.
“I was a good child who listened to my parents and never dared to do the things children nowadays do, such as drinking and smoking.”
Ms Mthethwa was quick to point out though that the mind is the most important thing, and that she tells herself all the time to live and be happy and healthy.
To make the birthday ocassion as grand as possible, the community asked various establishments to sponsor the party.
Pick n Pay baked the cake.
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