IN the heart of Bothashoek in Burgersfort, Limpopo lives a remarkable gogo whose life is a testament to resilience, independence and unwavering faith.
At 90 years old, gogo Elsie Mahlakwane is living proof that a life guided by discipline, compassion and God's word can bear lifelong rewards.
In the coming weeks, Daily Sun will shine the light on the incredible elders SunReaders nominated for our Gogo and Mkhulu of the Year Competition.
The two winners, who stand a chance to win R5 000 and amazing prizes, will be awarded in July 2025.
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They will celebrate their victory with the Daily Sun team during a special Mandela Day event.
These are inspiring elderly men and women who have touched lives, shared wisdom and stood as pillars of strength in their communities.
A mum of nine, gogo Elsie is a self-taught seamstress and herbalist who used her skills not only to support her large family but to build a home and legacy.
She funded her kids' education by selling herbal teas known to ease chronic illnesses all the while remaining proudly self-employed even while she was married.
She said:
"I've always relied on herbs and the church. That has helped me stay healthy. I still do things for myself even at this age. I don't queue for pills, and I've never relied on them."
Her lifestyle, free of alcohol and smoking and rooted in the use of traditional herbs and a strong spiritual foundation, has allowed her to live a vibrant and independent life.
She's the proud gogo of 25 grandkids and great-grandmother to six and although she has lost five of her kids, her faith continues to guide her through grief and life's challenges.
"I taught my children to live by the Bible," she said.
She lives by one verse in particular, Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest", which has carried her through.
"I don't let things get to me. I rely on God's word and move past things easily. That's what I wish young people could understand. Stress can make you sick," she said.
Gogo Elsie doesn't use a walking stick despite her age and cooks, cleans and does her laundry without help. She said her strength is a result of how she has chosen to live her life.
"I've been drinking herbs and going to church most of my life. This has helped me stay healthy. I still do things myself," she said.
Gogo also believes in the power of eating healthily.
"I love to eat my morogo and beans. I also plant them in my garden," she said with pride.
Her wisdom, generosity, and resilience have not gone unnoticed.
Her daughter, Hilda (60) said it is her mum's values that have kept their family strong.
"My mother taught us how to pray and forgive. We grew up living by the prescript of God and this is how we are raising our children even now," she said.
