TO MOST people, it only felt like yesterday when the Mathibela twins were introduced to the world.

Sophie Mathibela gave birth to Mpho and Mphonyana 25 years ago at Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, North West. The mother and daughters were later transferred to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.

But what grabbed the world's attention was thats the girls were joined at the head. Unfortunately, Mphonyana died in 1990 after an illness.

Yesterday, Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality executive mayor Boitumelo Moloi organised a surprise birthday party for the surviving twin.

Moloi announced during the party at the Daphne Lee Centre for People with Disabilities (where Mpho attends), that for the duration of her tenure, she would donate R100000 to the centre every year.

"For as long as I'm the mayor, I pledge to donate that money to the centre annually because I can see that you have some challenges. I'll also bring other people from business to come and help out," Moloi said.

Before the party began though, Moloi asked for a moment of silence to remember Mphonyana. The birthday girl was left red- faced when Moloi revealed in front of everybody that she has a boyfriend.

The shy Mpho hid her face.

After the party at the centre, the contingent left for the Mathibela house in Extension 6, Jouberton. Furniture, including a bed and a couch worth R20000, and R1000 clothing vouchers, were donated to Mpho. Renovations worth R80000 were also done to the house.