Unwavering faith in God and respect for others is what Gogo Nomazizi Violet Ngoma believes has sustained her to reach the ripe old age of 100 years.
Tsolo-born Ngoma celebrated her centenary in late December, and speaking to the Daily Dispatch on Wednesday, she said it still “felt unreal” that she had reached such a big milestone.
“Can you believe it? Because even though I know it, I still do not believe that I have reached this milestone.
“I never imagined I would live this long. I am still asking myself what did I do to deserve such a favour because this is a gift,” said Ngoma.
So amazing is Ngoma’s feat that she also received a congratulatory letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In the letter seen by the Dispatch, Ramaphosa wished Ngoma good health and “100 more moments of joy and warmth”.
She said she had no secret but believed that it has been God’s favour that has seen her through all these years, even outliving some of her 10 children.
“My faith in God must be the key, because all my life I have lived life knowing that God’s will is the ultimate certainty and we cannot lean on anything else.
“He has brought me this far, and only he knows how far he will still take me,” she said.
Despite being 100 years old, Ngoma has no hearing problems, and conversed with the Dispatch without any difficulties. She does not even use a walking aid.
“I jog sometimes and I feel so blessed, because for many people aging comes with many ailments which I have managed to dodge.
“The only thing I can complain about is an occasional pain around my knees, which is why I jog, but I am still able to take care of myself without needing any help,” said Ngoma.
She believes her generation had it easier because in those days there was less of a focus on money.
“This generation is in trouble because they are ruled by money. Money is important and we all need it to live, but in my time, we were in earnest pursuit of other things, like knowledge,” she said.
Ngoma also believes that keeping sober habits and being respectful to everyone, old and young, has sustained her.
Ngoma has six surviving children, with the oldest aged 80.
She has 28 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a number of great-great grandchildren.
One of her grandchildren, Zandisiwe Ngoma, said her grandmother was an inspiration with her brilliant mind.
“She leaves us in awe. She can hold down a proper and constructive conversation and has a good memory.
“She still cracks jokes with us and is not afraid to call us out on our wrong doings,” said Zandisiwe...