Chesa Monaheng has never had the chance to celebrate his birthday with his friends as an adult.
The last time he did so was when he was a child.
But last Saturday, the opportunity he had for many years been waiting for, finally arrived.
Chesa is one of 17 members of Big Brothers, a social club that was formed in 2013 by his friends. It just had five members then.
He told SunStokvel: “ If it wasn’t for my friends, I would still have been dreaming about celebrating my birthday party. I can’t do it on my own at my age since my many commitments leave me penniless.
“I enjoy every moment I spend with them but what I like most is that Big Brothers helps us achieve certain goals that we couldn’t do as individuals.
“Unlike most clubs, we only meet four times a year at different places all across Mzansi.
“The main aim of the club is to make sure we all continue to socialise as friends, like we did many years back, but what is also of importance is to make sure we boost one another such as when a member has a birthday, wedding, tombstone unveiling or anniversary celebration.
“However the particular member has to inform the other members of Big Brothers about the event he’s planning at least three months ahead of time.
“On the day before the event, we all bring our contributions together so that the following day we each are ready to contribute R50 to the host members as well as three trays of drinks.
“Whenever we have a meeting it is also a big event and Big Brothers’ chairman is expected to act as the master of ceremonies and run the event on the day.
“The club secretary has to make sure that everyone gets their drinks after they finish their meal, which must be provided by the host,” Chesa said.
