The milestone celebration of Ntswaki Aleta Mokake, held on Saturday (9/5), was attended by the mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, who described the occasion as a rare and special moment.

“I told her that she will definitely be my guest of honour at my 100th birthday celebration in a few decades to come,” said Nthatisi after joining residents in celebrating Mokake’s century-long life.

Style and flair

Her birthday was celebrated in style and flair, with family, community members and local leaders gathering to honour her remarkable journey. Nthatisi said he felt compelled to attend because witnessing someone turn 100 years old is uncommon and deeply meaningful.

He described Mokake as a pillar of strength within the small community of Dewetsdorp, saying her generosity was evident when she chose to donate blankets to community members on a day dedicated to celebrating her own life.

“We are duty-bound as public servants to honour our senior citizens whose lives represent endurance, dignity and the living memory of our communities. We are because of those who walked the path we are traversing. I wish Mme Ntswaki Aleta Mokake many more years to come.” 

The celebration echoed similar moments in the province in recent years. In 2022, former Free State premier Sisi Ntombela handed early Christmas presents to two elderly women who had turned 110 years old.

The women, Anna Dichwele and Nkgono Matsoso, were among senior citizens honoured during a gender-based violence and femicide awareness campaign hosted by the provincial government in the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.

As South Africans celebrate Mother’s Day, OFM has also created a special song dedicated to mothers across Central South Africa.

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