by Kedibone Tshelela
Celebrating life, the importance of community, family and gratitude, TUT FM was honoured to celebrate the incredible journey and 100th birthday of Gogo Junia Mmadira Dimpe, a cherished pillar of the community, on Saturday, 15 June 2024 in Hammanskraal, Temba.
The heart-warming and joyous occasion, which overflowed with love, laughter and deep appreciation, saw family, friends and well-wishers gathering to celebrate her life. Among the guests were the centenarian’s surviving three children, the oldest of whom, Sello Dimpe, will celebrate his 80th birthday on 24 June.
Gogo Junia’s milestone event without doubt underscored the value of celebrating our loved ones while they are still with us and creating memories that will be cherished by future generations.
During the emotion-filled event, her grandson, Tebogo Dimpe, shared a touching reflection: "When we arrived at the celebration, my granny was in high spirits. She was extremely happy and could not wait to take her special seat to be celebrated. It was a truly endearing, enlightening and fulfilling moment for me to witness, which also taught me the importance of appreciating those close to us and celebrating them while they are still alive, especially since I come from a family where birthdays are not a big deal.
Gogo Junia cutting the cake.
Usually, a simple call to say happy birthday would be sufficient for us, with my grandmother’s birthday approaching, I proposed to the family that we do things differently and really celebrate her and er wonderful life,” said Tebogo.
Also literally coming to the party with their generosity were LM Mokoena’s Kitchen that donated a beautifully crafted blanket, a symbol of warmth and care for Gogo Junia and Maluleke Spar Soshanguve Crossing Mall, that added sweetness to the day by donating a magnificent birthday cake, which was the centerpiece of the celebration.
Gogo Junia
TUT FM Crew with Gogo.