It was a delightful day for Johannes Ratshitanga Nemavhola as many people joined him to celebrate his 100th birthday at a party held at Tshikhwarani on Saturday.

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

Nemavhola walks with the aid of a walking stick, but he is still strong and hopes to celebrate many more birthdays. His deteriorating eyesight is nothing to go by because his strong hearing and razor-sharp mind keep his days enjoyable. He has 14 children, 29 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. He remembers the old days when there were no schools, clinics, hospitals and roads.

"We used to travel for long distances on foot because there were no cars," said Nemavhola. “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," he says. Nemavhola says the secrets of his long life are eating healthy food and listening to the elders. "I have enjoyed fruit and vegetables throughout my life and I have never tasted alcohol," he 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. Respect your elders and preserve your culture. Eat healthy food and distance yourself from alcohol,” he said. This old man is a member of the Zion Christian Church and is outspoken about his love for God. "I'm here today because of the will of God. Without God, I wouldn't be celebrating my 100th birthday. Where there is God, there is life," he explained.

Senior Apostolic Elias Mudau of Christ Worshippers Christian Centre said the celebration was a historic event. "A family who does not have senior citizens lacks advice as they provide wisdom," said Mudau. He thanked the family for not sending their father to an old-age home and for deciding to live with him "in the smooth pace" of their home.