Viva today’s women – Mtengenya, 104

Living to see democracy, the economic emancipation of women and official recognition of equality are what centenarian Nomdazana Mtengenya, who recently celebrated her 104th birthday, attributes as the highlights of her long life.

The mother of two and grandmother to many is easy to mistake for an 80-year-old because of her robust health, sharp wit and charming character.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch on Saturday evening at the DJ Old Sobey Old Age Home, where she was treated to a special birthday ceremony, Mtengenya said: “I was very emotional because in all my years I had never had a party or celebrations of any nature in my honour and I have been counting the days leading up to today.”