The Khumalo family, friends and some residents were proud to celebrate Petros Makhuson Khumalo’s 90th birthday over the week at Ekhaya Centre.
Known for his love for community work and church, especially serving local underprivileged children over the years, Khumalo is described as an ever smiling man who loves spending time with his family. He has also devoted most of his time to serving his church, Impumalanga Holly Church.
When asked about his youth days, Khumalo enthusiastically responds by saying that just like any person he has made mistakes that never let him define his future and he lived as a man of God.
Khumulo has served as a pastor, chairperson and evangelist at his church and has taught his family to follow the same path of Christianity.
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“Some of the ways I have lived by throughout my life is to remain kind and humble to those around me.
“I was taught this principle by my late mother and I am now carrying on with teaching it to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” the enthusiastic Khumalo said.
He added that some locals are amazed by his age considering that he is still able to do most of the activities that people at his age are unable to do.
“I recently went to renew my driver’s license and that surprised a lot of people. Young people these days refuse to learn and respect their parents and guardians. I lived by the principle of respecting everyone and just living my life to the fullest because we learn from our mistakes.”
One of the highlights of his life include getting married to his wife, Shilla Mampona Khumalo, in 1952 who was very dear to his heart and later died in 2007.
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“Getting married to my beautiful wife contributed to the man that I am today and I would never trade those moments for anything.”
His third born daughter, Thandi Khumalo describes him as a jolly father who has taught them respect and accepting everyone irrespective of their backgrounds.
“When we lost our mother in 2007 he was there for us, he never left our side. We initially thought he would bring another woman into our lives to help raise us but he raised us alone and he was always the best father and we are blessed to have him,” Thandi said.
