MAQUASSI HILLS GRANNY CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS

By Petrus Siko

• ⁠The community and dignitaries in Kgakala celebrated 100-year-old Nkoko Kgosi.
• ⁠”I am grateful for the birthday celebration held for me. I was raised well by my parents. They taught us to live peacefully as a family and never to fight. We survived on vegetables for many years,” said Nkoko Kgosi.
• In her speech, MEC Dantjie committed to incorporating the celebration of centenarians like Nkoko Kgosi into her Re Thuse Re Go Thuse flagship programme.

A Maquassi Hills centenarian, Moselantja Lucy Kgosi, celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by friends, family, and local residents at Kgakala township on Saturday.

Nkoko Kgosi was born on 28 April 1925. Originally from farms near Phyllipolis in the Free State, she later moved to Klipfontein farm near Leeudoringstad with her former employer. After marrying the late Tselabe Kgosi, they relocated to Kgakala township and had 12 children. Nkoko Kgosi is the only surviving member of her entire maternal family.
“I am grateful for this birthday celebration. My parents raised us well. They taught us to live in peace as a family and avoid conflict. We survived on vegetables for many years,” she reflected.

She credited her longevity to divine grace:
“I prayed to God for a long life so I could raise my children, and He answered me—that’s why I’ve lived 100 years.”
Her youngest daughter and caregiver, Emily Kgosi, shared that her mother enjoys pumpkin and cabbage, which she prefers over meat. She added that the centenarian can still walk short distances unaided.

On Saturday, North West Social Development MEC Basetsana Sussana Dantjie and municipal councillors joined the engagement, turning Kgakala’s streets into a celebration of song and joy.

Speaking during the session, MEC Dantjie urged families and communities to care for older persons, stating that such care promotes longevity and well-being. “We’re happy that Nkoko Kgosi lives healthily. She’s active at the Sizanani Fitness Centre and even served as a goalkeeper for a women’s soccer team. We encourage other elderly residents to join community clubs and live actively,” said Dantjie, greeted by enthusiastic applause from other grannies attending the session.

MEC Dantjie committed to including centenarian birthday celebrations in the department’s “Re thuse re go thuse” flagship programme.