Sr. Sola is known as "magogo" ("grandmother" in isiZulu), a term of endearment bestowed upon her by everyone in the community who knows her.
Sr. Sola is one of the original Nardini Sisters who came to Nkandla, South Africa 55 years ago. A nurse by profession, she worked in the Nkandla hospital and in the community as a midwife until she retired in her mid-60's.
After retirement, Sr. Sola continued to be a major force in Nkandla, organizing the development of community gardens, founding the sewing school, and later the Sizanani Huts - a beadwork and basket weaving program that provides a source of income for women in the community.
Sr. Sola will turn 90 on January 16 but does not plan to slow down. She gets up before the sun rises each day and after her morning devotionals and breakfast, she opens up the Sizanani Huts. She spends her day with the women of the community who come to drop off their finished beadwork or baskets and to pick up the supplies they will need for their next projects. Some women stay at the huts to work on their projects, enjoying tea and biscuits - and time together - while they work. Others return promptly to their homesteads to care for their families. They will work on their projects as time permits.
Sr. Sola is one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of meeting in my lifetime. Recently, one of our youth board members said that she still believes in superheroes. Sr. Sola has made me a believer too.
Sr. Sola is one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of meeting in my lifetime. Recently, one of our youth board members said that she still believes in superheroes. Sr. Sola has made me a believer too.
