If you are a regular driver or commuter between Sibasa and Thohoyandou, you have undoubtedly have seen the old man who walks along this road every day. His name is Ntshavheni Maxwell 'Buthe' Tshikhudo and he is 64 years old. Every day of the week, he walks eight kilometres from his home in Tshivhulani village to his office in Thohoyandou, and back: a total of 16 km a day.
Buthe, who has been a photographer for the past 50 years, says the reason why he walks this distance every day is because it keeps him fit. "For more than 25 years I rode my bicycle to work and back, but when it broke down 10 years ago, I decided not to repair it but walk instead. I am a pensioner and receives an old-age grant. I also generate an income by doing photography, so I have money for transport every day, but I choose to walk because it keeps me fit. Even when it rains, I simply take my umbrella and make the journey to work and back."
Buthe, who does not drink alcohol or smoke, says many motorists stop to offer him a lift. "I always thank them and tell them politely that I am walking to keep myself fit. Some people even offer me taxi fare, and then I explain that I am not walking because of a lack of funds. When you have a specific goal in mind, you must stick to it, even when people offer you an alternative."
As a veteran photographer, Buthe says his greatest moment was in 1979 when he was a personal photographer for P.R. Mphephu, the then Venda state president.
He encourages other senior citizens to take up daily exercise to keep themselves fit and healthy in body and mind.