Gogo Zibekile Gwala could be the oldest person in her village of Ngodini in Eshowe, KZN.
For this reason, the gogo was awarded a centenary certificate by the KZN government.
The mother of four is 100 years old and is still going strong. She’s still able to walk without a walking stick and plant vegetables in her garden.
She turned 100 on 3 March but the KZN Department of Art and Culture visited her on Thursday, 29 April, to celebrate with her.
Gogo Zibekile, who is the mother of KZN MPL Blessed Gwala, told Daily Sun what’s kept her alive was eating vegetables, chicken, fish as well as avoiding oily food and alcohol.
“I keep active. I move around and plant vegetables in my gardens. Eating healthy food and respecting myself helped me to reach 100 years.
“I got married when I was a virgin and I advised young girls and boys to abstain until they get married so they can live longer like me,” she said.
Blessed told the People’s Paper he thanks God for giving his mother another year of life, strength and a good sense of humour.
“It’s amazing she’s turned 100 while she doesn’t have diseases like diabetics and high blood pressure which normally attack elderly people.
“The way she lives her life is what has kept her healthier and going strong. She always wakes up early to take care of her garden. She loves to plant carrots, beans and onions,” he said.
He said when he’s not at home, she sometimes uses public transport to go to her home to Nongoma.
“But I don’t like it because I’m here to provide transport for her,” he said.
Art and Culture MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela said the reason for the celebration was that it’s rare to see people reaching 100 years like her.
“A few years back, as a government, we took the decision to celebrate rare people who reach 100 years.
“We have learnt many things from her and we’ll keep her history to pass it to the next generation,” she said
