LIMPOPO – Walk down memory lane with the 117-year-old Makwarela Davhana from Muraleni village in Sinthumule area, to celebrate the oldest resident of the Vhembe district:
She was born in December 1904 in Botlokwa and grew up in Madabani village before she settled down in Muraleni. Even though she has lost most of her sight, she finds it difficult to walk on her own and speaks slowly, her mind is still sharp enough to communicate.
“A long, long time ago we used to live in makeshift thatched huts, as there were no houses like we see today. There were no schools, no clinics or hospitals and we did not have tar roads. I remember, we used to travel long distances on foot, because back in the days there were no cars.
“The elders spent most of their time tilling the land for food and young boys and girls like us were responsible for looking after the goats. We drew water from fountains, unlike what we do today from taps,” the granny remembers fondly.
Her husband died many years ago. They had seven children, 31 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, to whom she often tells stories.
One of her daughters, Marandela Davhana said her mother was her role model.
“We are very lucky to still have her around. We thank God for her life. She brought us up with good values, took us to church and taught us to pray. When our father died, she took on his role as well. I hope that one day I will also live to be as old as her. I have learnt so much about life from her. She is God-loving and compassionate. I am excited that she has lived this long,” she said.
