Still going strong FREE
ESTABLISHED 1991
WEDNESDAY 1012 JULY 2013
WWW.EXPRESSNEWS.CO.ZA
Gogo Moeng shares secret to a healthy and blessed life } Sidwell Guduka AT 97, Lizzy Moeng is as old as the hills, but she is still going strong. She celebrates her 98th birthday on Saturday. Gogo Moeng of the Bloemanda Township, Bloemfontein, is one of the oldest women alive in the country. She is older than the ailing former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela (94), who is fighting for his life in the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria. Moeng has ten children – two of them have already passed away – and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She enjoys telling stories about the way they grew up back in the apartheid days to her grandchildren. “I’m happy to still be alive today. I’m also grateful to have lived almost into the second century, though I don’t know why God is still keeping me here. I’m very thankful for every day. I’ve made it through alright,” Moeng told Express. Widowed in 1977, Moeng said the secret to her good health was eating healthy food like white meat and vegetables, and not to indulge in beer. She added that respecting God and her elders were ingredients for her longevity. “I’m from a very religious family and I have a relationship with God. I was taught to respect other people when I was still a teenager. I never indulged in alcohol and smoking. But I occasionally took a sip of umqombothi during traditional ceremonies,” said the ageing woman. Described as a strong, patient and religious woman, Moeng said she had never held any grudges against other people. “I don’t let anybody spoil my day. I simply forgive and forget and it has helped me to live longer because a sore heart can age you 20 years in just 1 year,” she said.
GOING STRONG: Gogo Lizzy Moeng (with blanket) is surrounded by her children. From the left are Malechuti Moalosi, Motlagomang Mokgosi, Obotseng Moeng and Lehule Moeng. Photo: Sidwell Guduka Moeng, who can still walk on her own and bath herself, said she enjoyed reading newspapers. “I’m able to read and write. I attended school until st. 9 (gr. 11). I like reading newspapers and magazines.”
Her daughter Motlagomang Mokgosi (74) said her mom had taught her many lessons about life during her almost 98 years. “She is a great mother and she raised us very well. We learnt the importance of patience and discipline
from her. She believes in being honest with people and never trying to deceive them. “She told us somewhere along the line everyone has problems and we should be as helpful as we can,” she said.
“Our wish is for God to keep her here until she reaches 100 years. “She is so amazing. We are planning to have a little something for her on Saturday. She deserves everything she gets,” Motlagomang concluded.