The Gogos lunch comes once a month, and is quite a memorable event.
The Gogos (grandmothers who ASAP and Hlomelikusasa assist) are supporting and caring for their grandchildren, usually because their own children have died from HIV/AIDS. We met in a large room at the Roman Catholic hall, sort of like a school auditorium. I can hardly explain what it was like. As we walked into the room we were greeted by 40 gogos and village health care workers singing us the Hlomelikusasa song. It’s a great song, especially when you hear it sung through these powerhouse granny voices!

Gogos Lunch

The gogos and village health care workers were so nice and welcoming. One gogo even offered to slaughter a chicken for us! We had an interesting time telling her we don’t eat meat.

We spent about 4 hours watching them sing and dance, and tell stories of their childhood.

Gogos dancing & storytelling

The stories were hilarious—the gogos are a bunch of flirts! A bunch of their stories are about how they used to sneak their boyfriends into their bedrooms, or sneak out, BUT they also kept their legs crossed, as they had to take virginity tests on a regular basis!!! Virtinity tests have fallen by the wayside, but they are trying to reinstate them, since teen pregnancy is so high.