HA-RATHIDILI – Although she is not known outside the Sinthumule-Kutama area, local senior citizen, Mrs Tshinyelo Dora Muzila(125) of Ha-Rathidili, might be the world’s oldest living person.

Born at Vhuvhirwa, on May 4, 1880, Muzila might be experiencing hearing problems, but she has not yet lost her sight. She has 13 grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren.

She claimed to be the firstborn of her mother's children. She had five children, but only one is still alive, Mrs Johana Rambau. “Growing old is like going back to childhood, but I am still feeling healthy and strong. I always look nice and healthy because my grandchildren are not abusing me, they are doing everything for me,” she said.

At times, Muzila can walk from her room to the kitchen without using a thin stick, but her swollen legs, sometimes lead her to crawl. Muzila is commonly known as Vho-Juffrou.

Muzila claimed that the secret behind her longevity is her love for the Word of God. She is a senior member of the United African Apostolic Church. “I was born again as a Christian long, long ago and people used to laugh at me because the Word of God was something strange to them. I started going around with my donkey cart, praying and healing those who were sick, visually impaired and disabled,” she said.

Asked about Makhado town, Muzila said: “Stop kidding; when that town was established, I was already a woman - ndi muthu wa kale (I am an oldest person).” She told Mirror that when she is sick, she doesn't prefer going to the local clinic or hospital to get medical treatment, but she bows down and prays. “Because of my spiritual powers, I was nicknamed luhwairi by the witches,” she said. Muzila further claimed that her clan had its own beautiful mountain, Mbelengwa, which is situated north of Musina.

As a result of illiteracy, Muzila could not tell when did she got married and when she gave birth to her firstborn. “She is my aunt and, because I don't want to see her suffer, I took her to come and stay with me in my RDP house, together with my granchildren,” said Mrs Sarah Ndou, a domestic worker at Makhado, who is staying with the senior citizen. On behalf of her great-grandchildren Tshepo Muzila (17), said that her great grandmother's longevity is a blessing to her. “She loves me very much; I wish her more living days,” she said.

Tshepo added that her grandgrandmother, who is left with one tooth only, still enjoys chicken, rice, white bread and soft porridge.