Honouring gogo Bertha Mthiyane: A legacy of wisdom and love, may she rest in peace

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gogo Bertha Mthiyane from Drieziek 4. Gogo Mthiyane celebrated her 110th birthday in March, surrounded by family, friends, community members and dignitaries.

Her daughter, Sonto Mthiyane, told Orange Farm News that gogo passed away last Tuesday after a short illness. “We are deeply saddened by our mother’s passing. It was unexpected,” said Sonto.

“She was everything to us; whenever we encountered problems, she always had a solution. She was wise, loving and caring-a peaceful person who lived her life wisely. She survived COVID-19 and passed in God’s time. It hurts that she’s gone, but I’m grateful she did not suffer. May she rest in peace. She will be sorely missed by us and our neighbors. A few days before she passed, she told us the importance of having peace within. If you don’t have peace within, nothing will go well for you,” she added.

Born on 6 March, 1914, in Frankfort, gogo Mthiyane grew up there before marrying into the Mthiyane family; her birth surname was Shezi. She had 11 children (four of whom have passed on), 19 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Gogo loved cooking and cleaning, preferring simple boiled food with just water and salt. She shared her secret for long life: respecting both young and old people, living by the word of God and never holding grudges or seeking revenge against those who wronged her.

Orange Farm News extends its deepest condolences to the family. May gogo Mthiyane rest in peace; she was a light that shined brightly.