DURBAN - UMBUMBULU resident Mjanyelwa Mthethwa celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday and had some words of wisdom for the youth of today.
He advised them to respect everyone, avoid bad company, participate in sports and to always be willing to help others. “Respect is key to living a good life with others. Be willing to help others where you can, not just by putting in money. When you have time, it is important that you also lend a hand. As you continue to do that over time, you will notice how fulfilling it is.”
He said he kept himself young at heart by remaining active, cleaning the yard and trimming the trees.
“I eat traditional food like amadumbe, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, beans and cabbage. Over the years, I maintained a vegetable garden, until recently when the garden was severely eroded by the heavy rains.”
Mthethwa had nine children with his late wife Edna, five of whom have died. He has 45 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“I am grateful to God for keeping me strong for so many years. There is nothing that I can complain about as He gave me children and grandchildren who love me. My secret has always been loving people, and God keeps on blessing me.”
He urged young people, especially men, to protect women from incidents of gender-based violence.
“Let’s lead from the front to protect women and children from abuse, murder and all the despicable incidents. My expectation is to see people refrain from doing wrong if we are to live a better and good life.”
Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza said the provincial government was proud to have people of Mthethwa’s calibre.
“He has never been involved in any social ills, hence God blessed him to live for so long and see his fourth generation. All this happens when you respect life and spread love,” Khoza said.
She added that Premier Sihle Zikalala had assigned her to celebrate with “Mkhulu”, and the premier’s office was preparing a certificate of acknowledgement and appreciation.
Khoza urged young people to follow Mthethwa’s footsteps and learn how to be responsible citizens.
“We also joined this celebration precisely because we wanted to dig deeper into his well of wisdom and know his secret to long life.”
Mthethwa has been a fan of AmaZulu Football Club since it was founded in 1932, and has watched all its games. He wished for a television set, even if it was small, so that he could watch soccer every day. Currently, he watches soccer at his neighbour’s house.
Mthethwa was celebrated by his family, community and AmaZulu fans at his home on Saturday.
AmaZulu chairperson Sandile Zungu said it was very significant to have a supporter who had been loyal to the team for 89 years, and it pleased the club to put a smile on Mthethwa’s face.
“It’s a beautiful day for a team that is 89 years old to have a supporter who says he was 11 years old when this team was established. I can vividly remember when AmaZulu was introduced to the nation.”
Mthethwa received a big birthday cake from the team. He was also presented with a personalised jersey with his surname printed on the back, as well as the number 100.
Icebolethu Funerals donated a cow worth R18 000 towards Mthethwa’s birthday celebration.
Mfana Khwela, an Umbumbulu resident and AmaZulu fan from the Umbumbulu Branch said, said Mthethwa led by example.
“He cleaned the pavement on our street without any payment. He taught us what to do if we want to be responsible men to our families.”
Mthethwa said he was grateful to the government, AmaZulu FC, Icebolethu and his community for celebrating with him.
Daily News