Legendary Xitsonga music pioneer MD Shirinda, also known as The General, is one of the proudest dads in the world.

Shirinda (75) has been husband to five wives (one of whom is deceased) and 44 children and cares for them all.

The man who, a few years ago, awarded certificates to his wives for having been there for him for years, was all smiles this weekend. On Father´s Day, when other dads were being spoiled by their families, his day was extra special when his children came together to honour him.

During our visit to his modest home at Makhasa outside Malamulele, MD could not hide his excitement. He was celebrating Father´s Day in a unique way. He was reading message after message that came from his children, some of whom are working far from home and others who are married. Those who are still at home were having a good time with him, enjoying themselves and showing their appreciation for him.

Shirnda is not surprised at all. “I built this family from scratch with my lovely wives. Unfortunately, one of them had passed away,” he said. He said despite his hectic schedule, he found time to be with his family. “My children are like a big class. We sit down and we share the wisdom of life. This has paid dividends because all my children are obedient and they have never let me down. They are exemplary and are succeeding in life,” he said.

He said he was proud that not one of his children had ever been arrested or been called to the local chief’s court. “I am an exemplary father who would like to see all the children leading clean lives. This is the secret of a long life. You can see I am still going strongly because I am a strict disciplinarian,” he added.

He said he was very proud of his children’s achievements in different fields.

The musician, who is also a traditional healer, said he was happy that all his children taken advantage of the opportunity he offered them of a good education, which is paying off today. He said Father’s Day brought much happiness to him because all his children showed that they cared for him.

One of his children, Hlambani (19), who is a first-year student at the University of Limpopo, said her father was a very amazing and responsible person. “We have somebody who cares for us all. We are a big family, but he finds time for us all. He never beats us, but his goal is to teach us the wisdom of life and good behaviour. We are very appreciative of him and we just pray that he lives long enough to see our achievements,” she said..