Ramathuba and SAPS celebrate gogo’s 102 birthday

ZAAIPLAAS

An excited Gogo Nelli Mahlangu celebrated her birthday in style. Mahlangu from Zaaiplaas in the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Sekhukhune welcomed Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lt General Thembi Hadebe in celebrating her 102 birthday on August 13. The celebration was organised by Hadebe and her SAPS team.

Ramathuba said that lives of centenarians should be celebrated all the time as it is rare. “Today, the sun rises over Zaaiplaas with a special warmth. It rises to honour a woman whose life stretches over a century, whose eyes have seen the world change in ways many of us can only read about, and whose resilience stands as a beacon for all of us. We gather not only to celebrate the incredible gift of 102 years of life for Gogo Nellie Nomgqibelo Mahlangu, but to affirm a truth that cannot be erased, that our elders are treasures, deserving of our love, respect, and protection.”

 She said Mahlangu who is a rape victim must be protected from gender-based violence.

Ramathuba said the rape culprit has been arrested, convicted, and will be sentenced on 27 August 2025. “We look forward to seeing justice done, not out of vengeance, but out of the deep need for closure, healing, and a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated in our province.”

She added, “Today, we celebrate Gogo Mahlangu’s life. But let me be clear: we also stand here to say that what happened to her must never happen to another
woman, child, or elder in our communities.”
The birthday celebration was also attended by family members and neighbours. Mahlangi said her secret to living for a century was eating healthy and praying a lot.
The gogo says she has seen it all in her life. “I lived during the apartheid years and I also saw the dawn of freedom. I am just grateful that God has given me a gift of life. I have lost many loved ones, including my husband, but God has kept me fit and healthy.”