Residents from various villages in and around Sinthumule and Kutama, as well as members of the Roman Catholic Church, flocked in large numbers to pay their last respects to the late granny Makwarela Davhana. Granny Davhana was 117 years old when she died.
Because Davhana's age was never independently verified, she was not officially recognised as the second-oldest living person in the world. She passed away at her home in Muraleni village on 5 July.
The centenarian was born at Botlokwa, in the Capricorn District, in December 1904 and grew up at Madabani village before she eventually settled at Muraleni. She was regarded a pioneer and woman of vision during her lifetime.
Father Julius Britho Katjipa of the Roman Catholic Church was among the dignitaries at the funeral service. "Granny Makwarela always obeyed the Word of God. She had lived a long and full life. May her soul rest in peace," he said.
Granny Makwarela's friend, Pastor Elisa Maphalaphathwa, said the church and community would always remember her for the good work she had done over so many years and that she would be sorely missed by everyone.
Mr Maano Davhana said that his granny had been the last one of their clan left to whom they could turn for advice in times of trouble. "She was such a wise and dignified woman. We can say with certainty that one of our biggest trees has fallen. I know she would be happy to see the Davhana family stand united, even though she is not with us anymore. We were privileged to have had her with us for so long."