On Tuesday, 16 June, the nation celebrated Youth Day but, for Pulane Paulinah Linko, it was a day to celebrate a century. Born in a small village called Matwabeng Senekal in the Free State on 16 June 1920, she later married Abram Dinko. They were blessed with seven children – two boys and five girls. The married couple then moved to Parys in search of greener pastures.
Life has been a long journey for her. When she looks back, she feels contented at her achievements.
Through her journey of 100 years, she has seen great events, revolutions, epidemics, calamities, and moments of pain and joy. She has seen the rise and fall of governments, and the birth of the New South Africa.
She says that being “aged but not old”, her mission has been to help shape the future of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.