The Sunday News
Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
EMTHUNZINI Wethemba Children’s Home co-founder Margaret Ndoda was moved almost to tears when Star FM Team Bulawayo threw her a surprise party for her 84th birthday last Saturday.
The celebrations were joined by Emthunzini Wethemba staff, Star FM Team Beitbridge, as well as the children living under Ndoda’s care. Ndoda said she was extremely moved by the gesture.
“I was very touched because I was not looking forward to anything like this. I remember the Star fm people asking about my birthday a few months ago but I thought nothing of it afterwards. I thank God for the people who did this for me and that He made it possible for me to celebrate another birthday,” Ndoda said.
Activities during the party included song and dance from the children as well as a quiz in which the children competed against each other.
Team Bulawayo spokesperson Memory Mguni said they decided to throw the octogenarian a party to show their gratitude for everything she had done for the children at the home and for the city as a whole.
“Gogo is a legend, we looked at everything she has done for the city and not many people would do what she has done. She gave many of Bulawayo’s youngsters a place so we decided to throw her a party to show that we are thankful for all her works,”
Apart from celebrating Ndoda’s birthday, Team Bulawayo brought with them clothes and groceries for the children at the home.
Ndoda is a Salvation Army congregant who opened Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home with her late husband Reverend Ndoda in 1980, after there was an increase in the number of children living in the streets.
The home has been functional for thirty years and currently shelters 38 children between the ages of five and 21.
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