Prayer keeps gogo Xaba going

NEW Germany resident, Thembani Xaba, celebrated her 106th birthday on Sunday at her home. The party was made possible by her family and some members of the community.

Her eldest daughter, Victoria Xaba, said she is very grateful to still have her mother at her age. “My mother is our pillar, she raised us single-handedly as our father died when we were small.

“We are truly blessed to still have her around. Even when I have problems with my grandchildren, I consult her for advice. My mother is a woman of prayer, she always prays when there is an obstacle.”

Gogo Xaba is known in the area as a very hard-working granny.

“She used to wake up very early in the morning to work in the garden, even today she was asking for a spade,” said Victoria.

Xaba family said Gogo Xaba must take after her parents as her father passed away at the age of 120 and her mother died when she was 115 years old.

Mandla Sithole from the community said it is a blessing for a person to reach the age of 106, which is the reason they came together to celebrate gogo Xaba’s life.

“Every weekend we bury young people; to reach 106 is a miracle and it should be celebrated while she is still alive,” he said.

Gogo Xaba thanked all the people who made this special day for her. “I have no words to explain my happiness and gratitude,” said the emotional granny.

Gogo Xaba gave birth to six children of which five are still alive. She has 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.