The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Circuit 1306, in Ngangelizwe Township, deviated from the normal church service, on October 16, to host a belated birthday celebration and pamper its oldest church member, Nozolile Bolo (102).
Bolo, who currently stays at Waterfall Phase 4, near Ngangelizwe, was born on June 10, 1920, in Clarkebury, Ngcobo.
The church said the special occasion was originally planned for 2020 when Bolo reached the 100 year milestone but could not take place then due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Speaking during the special service, Methodist Church of Southern Africa Mthatha Circuit superintendent, Reverend Nkosinathi Geja, said the occasion, besides celebrating Bolo’s life, was also meant to conscientise society about the importance of taking care of the elderly.
“A nation that cannot take care of its elderly is doomed.
“The elderly and the children in our societies are victims of many social ills, such as murder and rape and through this event we wanted to show people the importance of appreciating and taking care of our elderly to change the mindset of our society about them,” Geja said.
He further appealed to communities to appreciate and take care of their old, saying that a society with old people was blessed to have them as custodians of values and discipline.
Bolo’s daughter, Nomfundo Mxakwe (67), said her mother’s longevity was due to her love for traditional food.
“She instilled discipline in us and being respectful to the elderly and treat every old person as our parent,” Mxakwe said.
Bolo was showered with gifts, including blankets, a microwave oven, sleeping gowns and slippers, with elderly women of the church pledging to buy her a brand-new bed.
Thirteen other elderly women from the church were also showered with gifts to celebrate them during the special church service.
