Power to the women: Gogo's 29-year wait for electricity ends

The Star

4 days ago

On a day meant to honour the strength and sacrifice of South African women, 82-year-old Nomavundla Nkosi's story stands as a quiet reminder of those who have endured far too much for far too long.
After 29 years of cooking with firewood and struggling to keep clean, warm, and connected, Gogo Nkosi's life has changed - not with grand speeches or promises, but with the flick of a switch, thanks to persistent community activism and a long-overdue breakthrough.
Nkosi has lived in her Gawe Street home for over 40 years.
Her daughter, Ntombikhona, provided a glimpse into their challenging life, explaining how isolation became their norm due to their circumstances.
'From 1996 electricity was cut off here at home because most people had been making illegal connections. Our house, unfortunately, was cut off in the process. And since then we have been surviving using wood to cook. As a result of using wood to cook, her clothes would always be dirty, and those who didn't know the situation would make claims that we did not care about our mother. We could barely wash her clothes; even when we do, they appear dirty,' she shared.
'We never lived a normal life; even when we ask to charge our phones, you need to be in line to get yours charged without a guarantee that it will be full. That time this can happen while you are waiting for an interview. And sometimes because you are unreachable, you miss out on interviews.'
June of this year marked a turning point; the family could hardly believe that after years of despair and numerous overlooked appeals for assistance, power was finally restored.
'We cried tears of joy, grateful for this change,' Ntombikhona recounted.
Sharing the thrilling change she said, 'Today we do not have a stove. In July, Gogo got her Sassa grant, but it was only enough for groceries. We have little even now, but at least the electricity has been restored. I am grateful for those who really helped us.'
Community activism played a crucial role in this breakthrough. Muzi Hlongwane, a dedicated fieldworker with 30 years of experience, expressed his pride in the progress made.
As the current chairperson of the ANC Bheki Mlangeni Branch, Hlongwane highlighted the efforts of his team who worked tirelessly to electrify the household.
'The purpose of being here today is to celebrate a victory or the breakthrough that we have made as a branch, the ANC branch. We have secured a sponsor who donated for us so that we can electrify the house which this family has been without for 29 years. And also, as you see, this house has been painted bright with a white colour. And also with a blackish colour.'
'We have managed to make an impact and change people's lives. I think we have done prolific work,' he said.
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Saturday Star