Family members and congregants of Nomnoza Ivy Mashalaba gathered at Full Gospel Church at F section in Khayelitsha to celebrate their grandmother turning 100. The special gathering took place on Saturday, 24 October.

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A woman of wisdom”

Nomnoza’s daughter-in-law, Pumla Mashalaba, described her as a source of wisdom not only to the family but to the community at large. She called her mother-in-law’s celebration a milestone.

“As a family, we felt we couldn’t keep quiet while our mother is celebrating a milestone. Let’s do something for her. We planned together with her congregants from the Presbyterian Church of Africa in Khayelitsha to make a special day for her,” said Pumla.

She said Nomnoza has four children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She described her as a straightforward person who loves people.

“My mother’s husband died in 1995. She raised us together with our children. She is still active and able to walk, although she uses a walking stick. She suffers from arthritis and high blood pressure. She can see and hear people when they speak. She is choosy when it comes to food — she likes vegetables a lot and lean meat,” said Pumla, adding that Ivy used to own a garden where she grew vegetables.

One of her children, Ntuthuzelo Mashalaba (57), echoed his wife Pumla’s sentiments that Nomnoza was a strict woman.

She raised us all

“She is a people’s person. She likes cleanliness. She doesn’t beat around the bush. She tells you straight if you are wrong. She likes church. We all grew up in the church. She is a disciplined person,” said Ntuthuzelo.

One of her congregants, Thandi Nkungwana, said she hasn’t known Nomnoza long. She said she got to know her after Nomnoza stopped attending church.

She doesn’t look old

“I haven’t known her long. I think it’s been three or four years now. I know her because, as church members, we used to visit her at home. I don’t know about her early days, but she is a nice person. She’s still active. Even when you look at her, she doesn’t look old. But she is a straight talker. If she doesn’t like something, she tells you straight,” said Nkungwana.

She said she wishes her many more years to come.