Gogo Nyadenga Munzhedzi Shavhani, one of the oldest people in the Shanzha area, has warned people against the eating of fatty foods and to resort to natural foods if they want to live a long and healthy life.

Shavhani, who does not eat meat, responded during a function to honour her at Chief Shavhani’s royal residence at the weekend.

At the ripe old age of 101 years, Gogo Nyadenga, the last surviving of the four wives of the late Chief Sangagada Shavhani, can still do most of the things done by young people.

Nyadenga, whose two surviving daughters are pensioners, can still walk, she can still see and recognize people. According to the villagers, she can still till the land!

At the weekend, her family gathered to give thanks to God for having sustained her for so many years. Much to the delight and applause of the guests and the family, Nyadenga, without being aided, led other elderly people to the tent where the function to celebrate her long life was held.

Chief Neckson Shavhani, one of the coordinators of the function, said they thought as a family that it was only the grace of God that their gogo had lived solong. "Many of her age are long gone. We felt we should sit down together as a family and the community and thank God for having given her this long life.”

Speaking unaided, Gogo Nyadenga said people should follow a proper diet which must not include fat and also do some exercises. “During our time, we used to till the land with babies strapped on our backs and it was a form of exercise for us. We also used to eat natural foods which included nuts, vegetables and fruits, which added to our health.

“Avoid meat if you want to live long; it has many diseases which are not good for your health,” said the gogo.

One of the gogo's daughters, Lizzy Phalali-Shavhani (74), said she was very proud of her mother. “She taught us a lot of things and it is through her teachings that we have lived so long. We are adhering to what she taught us and we think that her exemplary life can be a lesson to others. Our children are no longer living life to the full because they just indulge in everything. They have no boundaries and they die young,” she said.