A large group of relatives and friends, including a special guest – premier Phumulo Masualle – joined Mdantsane granny Noyose Mabel Gija to celebrate 100 years of existence at the weekend.
Gija’s centenary celebration, held at the Back to Christian Ministry Church venue in NU6 on Saturday, came as a huge surprise to the frail elderly woman, who cried joyfully as she was escorted into the small church using her walking ring to find everyone present waiting to share the special day with her.
Speaking at the celebration, Masualle said he had never met anyone before who was as old as the ANC, and this was the reason, when he heard about Gija’s birthday dinner, that he had jumped at the chance to rejoice with her and her family.
“I have never held the hand of someone who is 100 years old. Today is an exceptional day and a very special birthday because there are very few people who live this long.
“This year, we as the ANC are celebrating mama Albertina Sisulu, tata Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, who would be turning 100 this year.
“It is sad that they are no longer with us and we do celebrate them in their absence, but today we are celebrating the birthday of Mama Gija who is right next to us, which just seems so unbelievable,” Masualle said adding: “This day goes down among the highlights in my book, particularly because umama, as old as she is, is still very self-sufficient.
“She can see, talk, just about walk, and is still of sound mind, which is exceptional for her age.”
Sheila Qambela, 66, the only child of Gija, who has been living with her since 2004, said she was overwhelmed by the love and support her mother had received from friends, family and church members of the Auld Memorial Presbyterian Church, including the visit by Masualle.
“It’s a very happy time for me and my family. We are just ordinary people, but today someone as important as the premier has taken time to spend the afternoon with my mother and my family as we celebrate her life with us. It is a very exciting moment for us. The ANC has always been the only party my mother has ever known and I know she’s just as honoured as we are to have the premier among us today,” Qambela said.
Masualle, having asked the family what Gija would like as a birthday gift ahead of the day, presented the centenarian with a brown leather reclining chair. The premier also gave Gija an ANC blanket and headwrap.
Relative Lindiwe Gija described the elderly woman as “stylish and a typical Joburg girl who was a trendsetter among her peers”.
“In her time, granny was a great cook, a baker and a stylish dresser.”
The centenarian told the Daily Dispatch her father had also exceeded 100 years before he died.
“It has been the good will of God that has kept me alive and strong.
“I prayed to see 100 years and he has answered my prayers. It helps when you take good care of yourself and stay away from bad things,” she said. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
100-year-old granny’s birthday surprise includes visit by premier
Gija’s centenary celebration, held at the Back to Christian Ministry Church venue in NU6 on Saturday, came as a huge surprise to the frail elderly woman, who cried joyfully as she was escorted into the small church using her walking ring to find everyone present waiting to share the special day with her.
Speaking at the celebration, Masualle said he had never met anyone before who was as old as the ANC, and this was the reason, when he heard about Gija’s birthday dinner, that he had jumped at the chance to rejoice with her and her family.
“I have never held the hand of someone who is 100 years old. Today is an exceptional day and a very special birthday because there are very few people who live this long.
“This year, we as the ANC are celebrating mama Albertina Sisulu, tata Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, who would be turning 100 this year.
“It is sad that they are no longer with us and we do celebrate them in their absence, but today we are celebrating the birthday of Mama Gija who is right next to us, which just seems so unbelievable,” Masualle said adding: “This day goes down among the highlights in my book, particularly because umama, as old as she is, is still very self-sufficient.
“She can see, talk, just about walk, and is still of sound mind, which is exceptional for her age.”
Sheila Qambela, 66, the only child of Gija, who has been living with her since 2004, said she was overwhelmed by the love and support her mother had received from friends, family and church members of the Auld Memorial Presbyterian Church, including the visit by Masualle.
“It’s a very happy time for me and my family. We are just ordinary people, but today someone as important as the premier has taken time to spend the afternoon with my mother and my family as we celebrate her life with us. It is a very exciting moment for us. The ANC has always been the only party my mother has ever known and I know she’s just as honoured as we are to have the premier among us today,” Qambela said.
Masualle, having asked the family what Gija would like as a birthday gift ahead of the day, presented the centenarian with a brown leather reclining chair. The premier also gave Gija an ANC blanket and headwrap.
Relative Lindiwe Gija described the elderly woman as “stylish and a typical Joburg girl who was a trendsetter among her peers”.
“In her time, granny was a great cook, a baker and a stylish dresser.”
The centenarian told the Daily Dispatch her father had also exceeded 100 years before he died.
“It has been the good will of God that has kept me alive and strong.
“I prayed to see 100 years and he has answered my prayers. It helps when you take good care of yourself and stay away from bad things,” she said. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
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