Happy 100th birthday gogo Tryphina

Tryphina Malesela Dibetso came to Vosloorus Old Age Home to celebrate Mother’s Day like all the women of Ward 44, not knowing that the ANC Women’s League, Gauteng Young Women Entrepreneurs and Shoprite had a huge surprise for her.

They provided a cake, presents and food.

She was born on March 13, 1918, to parents Elizabeth and Simon Tshetlu.

Dibetso got married to her only husband Andries Dibetso in 1939 at the age of 20.

Speaking to Kathorus MAIL about her journey to 100 years, Dibetso said: “I grew up eating healthy food (not using cooking oil), respecting my parents, not taking drugs and the fear of the Lord made me stay away from all the things that young women can’t live without. I am talking about using drugs and alcohol and having sexual intercourse at a young age. Children today are involved in sexual activities at the tender ages of 14 and even younger,” said Dibetso.

She said she had never been with another man in her life except for her late husband.

“After my husband died I decided to stay and raise my 11 children. Unfortunately, eight of them have already died. The three that are still alive are aged 73, 63 and 50,” said Dibetso.

One of her grandchildren, Dora Dibetso (39), said her grandmother is one special woman.

“I can’t imagine my life without her. If I were to choose who should die first between me and her, I would rather die first and let her live because she is full of advice and she is still taking care of us. She baths us when we are sick,” said Dora.

She is stronger and healthier than most women at her age.

“She is still doing her own washing and cooks for us and goes to society by herself,” said Dora.

Dibetso was born in KwaThema and moved to Springfontein and then to Reiger Park. She and her husband were forcefully moved from Reiger Park to Vosloorus in 1964 and has stayed in Vosloorus since then.

She has 11 children, 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.