AFTER weeks of celebrating their incredible stories, sacrifices and love of our elders, the 2026 Daily Sun Mkhulu & Gogo Competition reaches its joyful finale.
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Six deserving champions have been crowned. But there’s more good news. All 10 finalists are winners, with each finalist receiving a vegetable hamper from the City of Joburg Market worth a whopping R5 000.
Now, let’s meet our top three Mkhulu & Gogo Competition winners.
Taking the number one spot in the Mkhulu category is 75-year-old mkhulu Petros Sokhela from Nkandla, KZN.
Mkhulu Petros was nominated by his grandson, Sthembile Zungu, who described him as the man who stepped up when he was left orphaned.
Mkhulu Petros raised and supported Sthembile through difficult times, even paying for his schooling. Sthembile’s dream was to one day build his mkhulu a two-room house so he could enjoy his golden years in comfort.
For his incredible story and the love he has poured into his family, mkhulu Petros walks away with R3 000 in cash and a Daily Sun goodie bag.
Second place goes to 87-year-old mkhulu David Pitse from Ga-Rankuwa, in Tshwane, a retired factory welder who has never smoked or drunk alcohol.
His message to young people is simple: Stay away from drugs and booze and protect your future. He wins R2 000 in cash and a Daily Sun goodie bag.
In third place is 73-year-old mkhulu James Petros Khumalo from Jabulani, Soweto. His mzukulu Mpumi nominated him for being much more than a mkhulu – he became a dad, teacher, protector and supporter.
Mkhulu James and his wife sacrificed to make sure theirkids and grandkids never went hungry. He takes home R1 500 cash and a Daily Sun goodie bag.
And now, our queens!
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Crowned the number one Gogo is 94-year-old gogo Paulina Molefe from Mahikeng. Known for her kindness, wisdom and caring spirit, she taught generations to respect and love others.
Her heartfelt dream is to honour her five late kids with tombstones. She wins R3 000 cash and a Daily Sun goodie bag.
Second place belongs to 95-year-old gogo Esther Ngcobo from Randburg, Joburg, a talented artist and a passionate environmental warrior who turns recycled plastic into beautiful artworks. She wins R2 000 cash and a Daily Sun goodie bag.
Taking third place is 89-year-old gogo Maria Kobe from Polokwane, a woman of deep faith whose prayers and love have made her a pillar in her family. She wins R1 500 cash and a Daily Sun goodie bag.
Daily Sun Editor-in-Chief, Amos Mananyetso congratulated the winners and shared what the competition means to the publication.
“To every gogo and mkhulu who was nominated, you’re all our gogo and mkhulu of the year in our hearts. We were incredibly moved by every story of the prayer warriors, family anchors and izimbokodo who have made all of us who we are today,” he said.
Thank you to our sponsors: City of Joburg Market and National Tender Services.
