Soshanguve gogo’s making a difference

Sthembiso Sithole

@SITHOLEEXPRESS

Travelling is often regarded in Soshanguve as something that is done by young people but that will soon change.

Grannies from Soshanguve Block G have started a non-profit organisation called Gogo on Tour, established in May.

 Gogo on Tour chairperson, Thoko Matjokane says she told her two daughters   about her dream to start the organisation.

Gogo on Tour, grannies ready to travel the world.

According to Matjokane, many grannies spend most of their time doing nothing and she wanted to change that by introducing a new idea that will help them to be active.

“After observing how our senior citizens are discarded once they reach the age of retirement, I wanted to do away with one foot in the grave mentality,” Matjokane said.

She added that the grannies would be able to meet peers from other walks of life.

The project targets grannies from Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville and Hammanskraal.

Grannies are divided in three categories according to age.  The Silver Group are grannies that are between 60-70 year-old will be given an opportunity to travel long distances as to Robben Island and other neighbouring countries. The Golden Group are grannies from 70-80 years.  They are set to travel locally to museums and the zoological gardens.  The Platinum Group are 90-100 years get a chance to attend big functions such as Mandela’s birthday party.

One of the grannies involved in the organisation, Monica Nkosi said she was in high spirits as she believed that Gogo on Tour would help her to stop worrying about death.

“I think this is a great idea. We will be able to relax and have fun,” Nkosi said.

 Gogo on Tour still needs financial assistance, office equipment, and support with logistics.

Multitasking Gospel singer

Sthembiso Sithole

@SITHOLEEXPRESS

During the day Lulama Kwani is a teacher at Beyond Kindergarten Pre-School in Soshanguve Block XX. After school she is a gospel musician and a preacher.

This 44 -year-old left her job at the Department of Water and Forestry Affairs in 2008 just to fulfil her calling.

Lulama Kwani following her

calling to help the comminity

"I resigned where I worked because God called me to serve Him and preach gospel to the people," Kwani said.

She started singing at an early age and released her first gospel album titled “My first love,” in 2008. In the same year she became a church member at Grace Christian Centre where she managed to touch many lives through the word of God.

One of the reasons she followed her calling was to reach out to the youth.

"There are a lot of things that are happening in this country. Nyaope is having a negative impact on the lives of our children and I hope that things will change," she said.

During her journey as a musician and preacher she finally decided to open a pre-school in February 2011. "I love being with children. I take it as a ministry and my happiness rests in them," Kwani said.

According to her at the pre-school they teach pupils about Christianity.

Nomsa Nawa, a teacher at the pre-school expressed her satisfaction with Kwani.

"She is a good boss who believes in God. Parents and children are happy with her effort towards them," Nawa said.

In the afternoon from 6:00 pm until 12:00 am Kwani usually has practise sessions with her band.  They prepare for upcoming performances. She recently performed at a fundraising concert at Thabang mental home in Soshanguve Block S. 

She said that on 14 December they will visit local orphanages and help raise money for them.