THOHOYANDOU - Reverend Amos Thovhakale of Shayandima celebrated his 100th birthday in style, during a colourful birthday party held at the Thohoyandou Technical School on Saturday.

It was a delightful day to the reverend, as many people joined him to celebrate his birthday. Sizile Thovhakale, son of Rev Thovhakale and organiser of the festivities, told Mirror after the party that the aim of the party was to show his father that he, together with his brothers, sisters and grandchildren, loved him. "This is another way of showing appreciation to the senior citizens. I believe that as from today, my father will really believe that we love him too," he said.

He added that the idea came after the children and grandchildren decided that they needed to surprise their father as a sign of paying homage to him. "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 Thovhakale, who is principal at Thohoyandou Technical School.

Vhembe district executive mayor, Sam Moeti, said the celebration was a historic event. "A family who does not have senior citizens lacks advice, as they provide wisdom," said Moeti. He added that he thanked the family for not sending their father to the old-age home and for deciding to live with him "in the smooth pace" of their home.

Pastor Dr Masole Ragimana of The Living Gospel Church in Tshilivho rendered the words of God. He said that it was God who made the day possible for Thovhakale. Ragimana added that Thovhakale is where he is today, because he obeys God's commandments. Rev Thovhakale said it is the will of God, who cares about him. Thovhakale was born in Vuvha in 1903 and he was married to two wives and was blessed with 15 children. He has 63 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.