Mme Leisa celebrates her 100th birthday

Mme Ethel Leisa from Mzimhlophe celebrated her 100th birthday party last Sunday at Albertina Sisulu Centre in Mzimhlophe.

Leisa was born on February, 22 1914 and worked as a nurse at Shanty Clinic in Orlando West. She is also member of the ANC Women’s League and ran a safe house for comrades on the run during the apartheid era.

Everyone in attendance at her birthday party described Mme Leisa as a caring person and a mother of the community.

“We as the ANC knew that we have to do something for Ma Leisa’s birthday she has always been a teacher, mentor and mother to all of us at very difficult times during apartheid.

“Her house was a refuge for all of us and we knew that her doors were always open for us,” said Ward 40 community development worker Teddy Martin.

Leisa is also one of the founders of ASHA – African Self Help Association she was part of the building of crèches in and around Soweto.

Provincial Chairperson CDE Alexandra Mbatha described Leisa as a giant who has always put others before herself.

The 100 year old Leisa who is still energetic and stylish said that it is through the grace of God that she has reached the milestone of 100 years.

‘If someone had to tell you the secret of living long they would be lying. All you can do is live a healthy lifestyle, but only God will decide if you are going to have a long or short life. I want to advise all young people to keep their minds active, by reading and accumulating knowledge,” she said.

Leisa even at the age of 100 still walks to ANC meetings every week.

“I enjoy walking it keeps me strong I don’t believe in sitting down and doing nothing always keep your body active,” said Leisa.

She also said that one should never be controlled by their heart but always be controlled by what they know.