One partner secret to long life, says gogo (106)

 Mpumalanga gogo who has lived for more than 100 years has advised young people to stick to one partner if they want a long life.

Mfati Shakwane, who recently celebrated her 106th birthday at Marite village outside Hazyview, told African Eye News Service that she has only been with one man all her life.

“If the kids of today take my advice seriously, they will be able to live longer. I met my late husband around 1915 in Sabie and we fell in love in 1920. We stayed together for more than 50 years until he died and left me,” said Shakwane, who is now partially blind, can’t remember her husband’s first name.

“I never used his name. I just called him Shakwane, so I have forgotten it. But he was my only partner. If you stick to one partner, you are minimising enemies in your life, and you are also minimising any chance of contracting diseases,” she said.

Shakwane, who lived through both World Wars, said another secret to long life is eating traditional food.

“A black person must eat food that our ancestors have been eating. Children of today are avoiding traditional food and that is the biggest mistake because such food makes your body strong and gives you good health,” she said.

She warned young people to avoid eating too much meat, sugar and salt.

She said her favourite diet includes ground nuts and home-made biltong.

“I also enjoy bush tea and tortoise stew mixed with ground nuts,” said Shakwane.

Shakwane said she has nine children and 50 grandchildren, most of whose names she has forgotten.

She also warns young people to stay away from beers and spirits.

“I drank traditional beer for more than 60 years and I have never fallen ill from it,” said Shakwane.

These days she enjoys sitting back and listening to dramas on SiSwati radio station Ligwalagwala FM.

Meanwhile, another Mpumalanga gogo, Shiba Nkosi, will be celebrating her 116th birthday on October 10 in Driekoppies, south of Malalane. – African Eye New Service