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Gogo Mudalahohe Maemu, surrounded by some of her children and grandchildren during her birthday celebrations.

Gogo Maemu 110 years old

 

A senior citizen of Madabani in Sinthumule Gogo Mudalahothe Maemu celebrated her 110th birthday during a joyous ceremony on Saturday.

According to one of her grandchildren, Mr Auodious Mhlangeni, they organised the party just to please their grandmother. "It was right to organise a party for her, because she is where most people will never be. It is good to pay tribute to a person while she is still alive, rather than to buy expensive things when he or she has died. We love our grandmother as she loves us too," said Mhlangeni.

Maemu walks with the aid of a walking stick, is still strong and hopes to celebrate many more birthdays. Her eyesight is deteriorating, but her strong hearing and razor-sharp mind keep her days enjoyable. She has five children, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

"We used to travel for long distances on foot because there were no cars," said Maemu. “The elders spent most of their time tilling the land for food and young boys and girls like us were responsible for looking after the goats and cows,” she says. Maemu says the secrets of her long life are eating healthy food and listening to the elders. "I have enjoyed fruit and vegetables throughout my life and I have never consumed alcohol," she says.

"We spent most of the time playing indigenous games, such as mufuvha, and that kept our bodies strong. There were certain taboos that the elders told us not to do and I believe that increased the days of our lives. I would like more generations to know about our times, although I believe that I will still live for many years to come.”

“If you live a clean life, God will bless you and you will live long,” she said. The youngsters must also respect their elders and preserve their culture. “Eat healthy food and distance yourself from alcohol,” she said.

Maemu told Limpopo Mirror that she had never gone to school. "During our days, there was no schooling and our parents also did not even go to school," she added.

 

 

Date:17 March 2017

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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