GOGO Grace Zwane believes being closer to God is what has made her reach 95.
She said she is looking forward to celebrating her 96th birthday on 24 November, and trusts God to help her reach that milestone.
Gogo Grace, who is a retired Lieutenant-Colonel in The Salvation Army Church, said it's by God's grace that she is still alive.
She told Daily Sun she has no specific secret to long life besides her God who keeps her alive and comforts her in difficult times.
"I don't even know specific food to eat as an older person. I just eat different foods, especially meat, and all my hopes are always with God.
"God blessed me with a good family that takes care of me after my husband Lieutenant-Colonel Jocktan Zwane passed on in 2012. They treat me like a child. I had four kids but now I'm left with two," she said.
Gogo advised young people that to be closer to God, and live longer, they must follow in her footsteps.
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"I see many of them, including my child, they follow God, and I wish they continue doing that, and I pray nothing interrupts them in their journey with God.
"Now, I'm too old I can even read the Bible because now the writing becomes blurry, and my eyes become teary. Fortunately I know many verses by heart," she said.
She told Daily Sun a Lieutenant-Colonel is one of the top positions in The Salvation Army Church.
"I got married to my husband in 1953 and in the same church we studied the Bible and became a cadet and at that time black people were few in the church's leadership as it was dominated by whites.
"I retired in 1989 as a Lieutenant-Colonel and stayed home. Our church uses army ranks because we are a spiritual army," she said.
Gogo Grace wishes for more years.
Over the next coming weeks, Daily Sun will shine the light on incredible elders SunReaders nominated for our Gogo and Mkhulu of the Year Competition.
The two winners, who stand a chance to share R5 000 and amazing prizes, will be awarded in July 2025.
They will celebrate their victory with the Daily Sun team during a special Mandela Day event.
These are the inspiring men and women who have touched lives, shared wisdom and stood as pillars of strength in their communities.
Growing up with good morals.
