Gogo Zibekile celebrates her 100th birthday
A STILL strong and fit senior citizen of Ngondini reserve outside eShowe, Zibekile MaNgema-Gwala, recently celebrated her 100th birthday - and to make the milestone even more special, KZN MEC for Sport, Recreation, Art and Culture, Hlengiwe Mavimbela, arrived to share in the occasion.
MaNgema-Gwala was born on 3 March 1921 and blessed with four children, three of whom have sadly passed on.
Her remaining child is IFP MPL Blessed Gwala.
She has 42 grandchildren. 'MaNgema-Gwala is a walking library,' said Mavimbela.
'In those days people used to walk long distances to fetch water and to go to the nearest shops.
'The provincial government feels it is very important to record that part of history, and we encourage residents to do so. We must compile books and keep them in our libraries so every generation can learn more about the lives of their parents,’ she said.
Mavimbela also urged people to respect and protect elderly people.
‘While they were growing up, they used to walk long distances, but they were not attacked and raped.
'The abuse against elderly people, especially women, must come to an end.
'The government has embarked on awareness campaigns to stop
women, children and elderly abuse.
'It is the responsibility of everyone to help protect them,’ Mavimbela said.