Celebrating 100 years of Gogo Maria Nomakwata Mahlangu: A beloved matriarch from Vosloorus

Maria Nomakwata Mahlangu, a beloved matriarch of four generations, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday, December 13, in her home in Vosloorus.

Born in 1925 in Swanskraal, Mpumalanga, Gogo Mahlangu’s life mirrors a century of South Africa’s history, spanning farm life, forced removals and the growth of her own large family.

Gogo Mahlangu grew up alongside her twin brother, Johannes – affectionately called “Links” for his left-handedness – who passed away in 2007. In her youth, her family moved between kwaNdebele (Wagendrift) and the Dindela farms, now known as Edenvale on the East Rand. Like many families during apartheid, they were relocated to Vosloorus in 1963.

It was here that Gogo Mahlangu and her late husband, Samuel Mahlangu, built a home and raised eleven children – nine boys and two girls. Samuel passed away in the late 1970s, but the family she nurtured continues to thrive around her.

Despite witnessing decades of change, Gogo Mahlangu has remained grounded in simple routines. She never drank alcohol, preferring tea and room-temperature water, yet she became known for brewing umqombothi, which drew praise across the community. A dedicated gardener, she nurtured vegetables and enjoyed traditional dishes such as pap and morogo. Even now, she enjoys a Mexican-style pizza, showing her enduring curiosity and zest for life.

A proud Covid-19 survivor, Gogo Mahlangu is remembered by her family as a storyteller and steady presence. She continues to share wisdom, humour and vivid memories, bridging past and present for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her grandson, Nkosinathi Mahlangu, described her as the “heartbeat of the family,” adding that she remains a source of inspiration and guidance to everyone around her.

Now, at 100 years old, Gogo Maria Nomakwata Mahlangu is celebrated not just for her longevity but for a life richly lived, anchored in love, resilience and community.