Alexandra’s Florence Mothupa celebrates 100 years

From caterpillars to the century mark, Florence Mothupa shares her secrets to a long and healthy life.

Florence Mothupa celebrates her 100-year birthday. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

Florence Mothupa marked a significant milestone on July 6 as she celebrated her 100th birthday at her home in Alexandra.

Theresa Seema, Florence Nawa, Thandi Khumalo and Fikile Hadebe at Florence Mothupa’s birthday celebration. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

Mothupa was born on June 24, 1924, in the Free State town of Thaba Nchu and moved to Alexandra in the 1950s. She is a mother of 10 children, six have passed on and she has 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Gladys Khumalo, Getrude Mothiba, Thandi Sibanyoni and Aida Khosa at Florence Mothupa’s 100-year birthday celebration. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

Born a century ago, Mothupa has witnessed profound transformations in the 20th and 21st centuries, from modern technology to the evolution of social norms and cultural paradigms.

Daughter Matlakala Mabasa, Florence Mothupa and daughter Mampe Boshomane. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

Mothupa attributes her long life to her strong faith in God, the food she eats and her love for others.

“I am thankful to God that in 100 years I can walk, cook and I don’t take any medication – to even think I survived Covid-19. I believe that my faith and love for people have kept me going all these years. I only eat boiled food and I like meat, tea and sweets,” she said.

The birthday cake is fit for a feast. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

Mothupa’s daughter Matlakala Mabasa (60) described her mother as a disciplined, tough, kind woman with great humour.

Florence Mothupa with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

“My mother is one of the strongest people that I know and she worked very hard from when we were young till today. She is very active for her age but very demanding and a perfectionist at the same time.

“We are grateful to have our mother with us for so long. She has been an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for the love and guidance she has given us over the years,” Mabasa said.

Tshidi Matshidiso with her great-grandmother Florence Mothupa. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

Mothupa’s niece Mauren Matshidiso (77) said, “We are grateful to God for keeping my aunt till she reaches 100 years of age because if it were not for Him, this birthday celebration would not have happened. My aunt showed us respect, humility, kindness and gentleness throughout her lifetime.

Evelyn Sithole, Joyce Vukela and Onica Moloyi at Florence Mothupa’s 100-year birthday celebration.

“It is through those Christian virtues that she demonstrated that have kept her going for 100 years. May God bless her abundantly and may she continue keeping us in her prayers because we are where we are and who we are because of this woman and her faith.”

Alex resident Florence Mothupa celebrates her centenary. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

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