"If you want to live longer, you must listen to your elders, stop drinking too much alcohol and don't be a womaniser. Nowadays, many people are dying younger because they ignore advice from elderly people," said Mr Frans "Phaladze" Mukatuni, a 105-year-old pensioner from Tshitanzhe village near Mutale.
Mukatuni celebrated his 105th birthday on Saturday, 19 July, at a surprise party organised by his children, relatives and members of the local community.
Speaking at the celebration, Mukatuni, who lost his two wives, Masindi and Matamela, a few years ago, told guests that longevity came from following the wisdom of older people, avoiding excessive drinking and not chasing women.
He thanked God for granting him extra years and said he remained active while many of his peers had passed on. He recalled that when he was born on 18 June 1920, there were no proper roads leading to his village, and education was not prioritised by his parents or forebears.
During the event, it was also announced that Mukatuni's family is related to the Nduvheni clan in Ngalavhani, also known as Vhaha mutwa u tshila, as well as to families in Muleba (Tshithuthuni-Thengwe) and Masimbane (Guyuni-Dzumbama). The speaker urged them to continue celebrating such events as one united family.
Mukatuni is the president of the Nduvheni Burial Society and is widely respected for his ability to advise and unite people.
One of his daughters, Ms Agnes Rantsana, who takes care of him and encouraged him to relocate to Muswodi-Dipeni, described her father as a man committed to family unity. "He has guided us as children and family members from a young age - even in our marriages. Mine has lasted because of his advice," she said.