Gogos and Mkhulus Celebrate with Fr Emil

by Erin Carelse · November 9, 2017

Elderly fans of Radio Veritas gathered at the Johannesburg chancery hall to celebrate director Fr Emil Blaser’s birthday

About 300 gogos and mkhulus, all faithful listeners of Radio Veritas, gathered at the Johannesburg chancery hall to celebrate the belated birthday of Fr Emil Blaser OP, director of the Catholic radio station.

Radio Veritas listener Tshidi Ramagase, who has supported, publicised and sponsored the event for years, paid a loving tribute to her mother who had died earlier in the year and who was always a guest at the feast.

Guests Entertained, Given Gifts and Practical Advice

Ms Ramagase welcomed Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane, who addressed the guests on pension payouts, and presented all with a blanket and toiletries. Each guest was also given a security remote which could be used in an emergency.

The brass band of the National Apostolic Church performed for the guests, which Fr Blaser described as “a wonderful ecumenical gesture”.

Another surprise was the performance of the multi-platinum selling Catholic Macecilia choir which entertained with choral pieces.

All the guests were treated to a comforting neck massage and could also have free professional photographs taken of themselves.

Fr Blaser thanked guests and said all who were donors to Radio Veritas would be receiving a special gift for Christmas. He asked each to find one more donor who would make a R100 a month contribution.

Much of the day’s success was due to the hard work of Radio Veritas staff, such as Mahadi Buthelezi, Vincent Mokoena, and Khanya Litabe, who, with Radio Veritas equipment, provided background music.