Matlala celebrated her birthday with friends, family and neighbours at her Daveyton home on March 19.
It was a day filled with joy, laughter and appreciation.
She was helped to blow out the candles on the colourful and beautiful cake.
Matlala was born on March 16, 1916, in a small rural area, Majaneng in Hammanskraal, North West Province.
She is the fourth child of 10 siblings.
At the age of 11, in 1927, she relocated to Daveyton where she attended school at Wesile Primary School.
When she was 17 years old, she had to go look for work and was employed as a domestic worker in Northmead until 1982.
She was married to Hosia Matlala, who died in 1976.
They were blessed with 10 children and 13 stepchildren.
She has three daughters who are still alive, Semomtwana Khule, Reshoketswe Mnyakeni and Gadaleba Matlala.
Some of Matlala’s favourite things to do were knitting and she also enjoyed outdoor activities, especially visiting the zoo.
She also enjoys going to church every Sunday.
Khule, Matlala’s first daughter, said her mother worked hard as a domestic worker.
“She did her best to raise us to be better people, hence God blessed her with so many years to live,” said Khule as she shed a tear.
“Our mother also raised her sister’s children and she loved us all equally.”
Mnyakeni, the second daughter, said she is amazed to see her mother live up to this age, even though she struggles to walk and gets sick very often.
“My mother always said God blessed her because she lived her life through the bible’s 10 commandments (Exodus 20),” said Mnyakeni.
Matlala can still partially see and hear a little bit.
When Matlala celebrated her 90th birthday, her great-granddaughter, Kerin Mthimkulu flew her out to Durban.
“She had always wanted to be in a plane, so we decided to make her wish come true,” said Mthimkulu.
“I am very happy; I can’t even express my joy. She is the first person I know who has turned 100.”
Mthimkulu added they are really honoured to have their great-grandmother in their lives.
“We plead with the community to kindly donate a wheelchair for my great-grandmother, as she cannot walk anymore.”
Matlala has 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Even at her age, Matlala is still considered the glue that keeps everything and everyone together.
The birthday celebration was sponsored by Themba Motors in Etwatwa and Boxer Supermarket in Daveyton.
Mthimkulu said they appreciate all the donations received to make the birthday celebration special and unforgettable.
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