Chronicle Editor
Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
Smartly dressed in blue African attire that lights up her face, one can barely believe that the woman sitting before us is 100 years old.
Sofi Siziba from Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb turned 100 on October 10 and says she has lived through all the ups and downs that characterise life thanks to the love and care of her family.
It was evident that the centenarian appreciated Saturday Chronicle’s visit to her home as she smiled, warmly greeted them and kissed our hands.
Popularly known as “Tollgate”, a nickname she got from her children because of her great mind in business and her generous hand, Gogo Siziba sat on her favourite chair with one of her daughters by her side who had to shout from time to time to be heard by the centenarian whose hearing is now impaired.
She had nine children, six girls and three boys, but four passed on. She is now left with five daughters. She also has 24 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
“My mother died when she was 102-years-old and I am following in her footsteps of reaching a century. The Almighty has been faithful to me and has blessed me with these years that l have reached. Without him, this would have not been possible. I am grateful for my children who have showered me with great love and care and this is another reason why I have managed to reach this age.
“It pleases me that I brought up my children well and took good care of them and now they are returning double the portion. My husband passed on 32 years ago in a car accident and my children have been my pillar of strength and they are there for me always,” said Gogo Siziba.
Gogo Siziba is the first-born in her family and all her siblings have passed on. All her close friends have also died with the last one recently giving up at the age of 94.
She proudly told Saturday Chronicle that she does not have any of the diseases that usually come with old age such as cancer and diabetes thanks to traditional foods that have kept her strong to this today.
Her daughter, Thando Mgutshini (64) said no words can explain how much she and her siblings love their mother.
“We love our mother so much because she is the one that taught us well how to work hard and be independent. She became our inspiration and an example herself because when we were growing up, she was always on her feet selling all various items in the neighbourhood to provide for us. This is how we grew up to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices that our mother made for us and I am very grateful for that because none of her children is dependent, we are all successful, doing something productive in life and just doing so well,” said Thando.
She said her mother’s favourite food and drink include coke, inkobe and bananas. Because of old age, her mother now only eats very fine foods.
Thando said as a way of showing appreciation for their mother, the family has planned a massive party for her today where all family members, even from abroad, are going to come together and celebrate with her.
She said Gogo Siziba is the one playing the major role in keeping the family united and very close because she accommodates every member of the family and teaches them to support and be there for each other.
Catherine Siziba (60), Gogo Siziba’s other daughter said her mother is her pillar of strength and that she values her so much. She said her mother’s memory is sharp and she remembers all the family members.
“I thank the Lord each day for keeping our mother till this day. I also appreciate all that she has done for us in making sure that we are well taken care of.
Our mother is a prayer warrior. She used to attend the Baptist church but now because of old age she is no longer attending church.
She used to wake up at around four in the morning and start praying for all the family members. She would pray for everyone even for those abroad and not leave anyone behind.
This shows how she has kept the family going and united and she managed to bring us close to the Lord. I am also happy that we have managed to give back the love to her which has made her even stronger till today,” said Catherine.
Catherine said because of old age, her mother’s hearing is no longer good so one has to raise their voice when speaking to her.
She said she no longer sees well and that her feet are giving her problems.
Anele Mgutshini (29), Sofi’s grandchild, said Gogo Siziba has always been a loving, kind and generous woman.
“My grandmother loves, and accommodates all her grandchildren and treats them the same way which has helped cement good family relations.
As her grandchildren, we have always loved to spend time with her because we always felt at home and loved so much. She always instils togetherness in the family and we have learnt to uphold such a good thing,” she said.–@ReeSibanda
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