GOGO Paulina Molefe (94) finally gets her flowers.
The gogo, originally from Mahikeng in North West, was crowned Daily Sun’s Gogo of the Year 2026 after readers voted for her.
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The Daily Sun team met gogo Paulina and her family in the Rustenburg CBD, where she now stays with her daughter, Kentse Mahoko.
Daily Sun deputy editor, Doreen Molefe travelled from Joburg to hand over gogo’s prize.
Gogo Paulina received a certificate, a R3 000 cheque, vegetable and fruit hampers worth R5 000 from Joburg City Market, a Daily Sun goodie bag and other prizes.
The Gogo & Mkhulu Competition celebrates elders who have been pillars in their families and communities.
All 10 finalists received vegetable and fruit hampers from the Joburg City Market worth R5 000.
Daily Sun editor-in-chief, Amos Mananyetso said the stories touched the team.
“To every gogo and mkhulu who was nominated, you’re all our gogo and mkhulu of the year in our hearts,” he said.
“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.”
ALSO READ: Meet Daily Sun’s Mkhulu and Gogo champs!
Doreen said gogo Paulina stood out among the nominees.
“She’s our queen. She won among all the gogos and mkhulus who were nominated,” said Doreen.
Gogo Paulina was emotional and thankful.
“I’m grateful to God. I’m old now, I’m 94, and this is the first time something like this has happened to me,” she said.
Gogo Paulina had 10 kids. Five are still alive, while the others have since died.
Her mzukulu, Koketso Berries, said gogo Paulina deserved the prize because she is loving, kind and always ready to help.
Koketso said Paulina taught the family to fear God, respect parents and admit mistakes.
Gogo Paulina’s longtime friend, Mmabatho Violet Mmaape (79) was also there to celebrate with her.
Gogo Mmabatho, who is also from Mahikeng, said she and gogo Paulina met when they were young and have stayed friends into old age.
She said gogo Paulina reached 94 because she listened to her parents.
“She’s strict and wants everything to be done in order,” said gogo Mmabatho.
She said she was grateful Daily Sun honoured gogo Paulina while she was still alive.
She said gogo Paulina’s win inspired her and she hoped to enter the competition next year.
For gogo Paulina and her loved ones, it was more than a prize. It was a day of honour, love and thanksgiving.
