AT 113 years old, gogo Tsatsawani Makanete is still going strong, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
She is now encouraging people to take the vaccine, just like she did in May.
Born on 25 June 1908, gogo Tsatsawani from Soshanguve block DD, north of Tshwane, said she liked cleaning the yard.
She didn’t like eating greasy food or red meat, which was one of her secrets to a long life.
She said she also didn’t like drinking soft drinks and eating sweet things.
The gogo enjoys vegetables, milk and pap.
“I pray a lot and spent time praying for my children and the family. I walk using a stick.
“My eyesight is getting bad but I can still hear well,” she said.
Her son, Samuel (64), said: “The secret of my mother living more than 100 years is the respect she gives other people and she’s also God-fearing. She never went to school and therefore can’t read.
She is always teaching us about love, patience and respect.
“We are honoured to have our old mother with us.”
Samuel said his father died in 1964 after he was struck by lightning in Mookgopong in Limpopo.
“My mother is a strong woman. She raised us while working on a farm in Limpopo.
“My mother had eight boys, but three have died,” said Samuel.
Granddaughter Ofentse Makanete (29) said: “My gogo taught me humility, generosity and to be kind to people.”
Gogo Tsatsawani has 43 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
