Woman, 70, a computer wiz

The common perception is that a 70-year-old grandmother sits and reads knitting patterns in a rocking chair on the stoep. Monica Sasane Tuge proved that she could be a computer wiz and be a student at her age.

Monica may be 70 years old but there is nothing elderly about her. She has become a computer wiz by her own standards after completing a course in computers.

This is but one of the two courses Monica recently completed at the Philani Community Development Centre. The most recent was a course in end-user computing, PC intro and Microsoft Word. This sprightly 70-year-old also holds a qualification in agro food processing and has plans to study even more.

The Philani Development Centre is a non-profit development programme. The name ‘Philani’ means to bring life to the community. The programme is funded by the Department of Social Development. They have eight programmes in total, all of which are vocational courses. Each course can be studied at no charge.

Monica said when she was growing up in the apartheid era, she could not study past her standard eight and has taken full advantage of this opportunity to better herself post apartheid. She used to be a seamstress in Chamdor but was retrenched and now only does alterations here and there.

Instead of withdrawing from the world, she decided to further her education. She heard about Philani in her community by word of mouth.

God gave me strength. I am not sick, why should I just sit and do nothing?” she said excitedly.

Monica said she commuted from her home in Lufhereng, Krugersdorp all the way to Westonaria where Philani is located. She would board a taxi twice a week and would have to pay approximately R50 per trip to Westonaria and back, which is more than 20km from her home. She did this for the duration of her three-month course. Before the start of her computer course, Monica never worked on a computer before.

Monica has three children, all boys, and is the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren. She has separated from her ‘hubby’ as she calls him and lives alone.

When I leave my house, I lock the door and I am off. I am completely independent,” she said.

Furthering her studies will not end at her two certificates. Monica plans on studying at the centre for as long as she can. She said her dream is to train as she has been trained and would like to train a group of people who are interested in sewing and stenciling. It is her way of giving back to the community.

I would like to say thank you to God because I did this not through my own wisdom. I also say thank you Philani, thank you Philani, and thank you very much, Philani. You are the rock and a hero.”

At the end of the interview with the sprightly mature student and grandmother of 10, she showed the Herald that she also takes good care of her health in terms of exercise. Both the Herald and Philani officials where taken back to school with Monica’s exercise moves, which explain much of her young appearance.