WATCH: Crystal Park granny turns 100
Her message to young people is to respect their elders, love one another and consider everyone as family, regardless of whether or not you know them.
The Zimba family of Crystal Park recently celebrated a momentous occasion few families ever experience – the 100th birthday of their granny, Dorah Zimba.
Though her actual birthday was in July, the family decided to go the extra mile this month by inviting the newspaper to celebrate because the joy of marking a centenary was significant.
Dorah, known for her vibrant spirit and humour, was visibly surprised and emotional when family and friends showered her with love and well wishes.
“I can’t believe I reached this age. My faith kept me grounded. I was an usher at church and used to cook during community outreaches.
“I thank my daughter, who welcomed me to her house when everyone had abandoned me,” Dorah, whose eyesight and articulation are still exemplary, said.
When sharing her passion for church, Dorah asked to pray to thank God for keeping her alive.
She said the only things that make her happy and fulfilled at this point in life are eating marshmallows, Inkomazi milk and drinking mageu (fermented liquid mealie-meal porridge).
Born in Hammanskraal, Dorah had nine children. Only two, Dimakatso Motshopi (64) and Andrew ‘Tuki’ Zimba (66), are alive. She has 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her late husband died in 1962 after a short illness.
About two weeks ago, ANC members celebrated her milestone after meeting her on May 28, when she cast her special vote at Crystal Park Primary School. They showered her with monetary donations, a blanket and a birthday cake.
The Crystal Park Clinic blessed Dorah with a wheelchair (she has difficulty moving around the house) after residents Thoko Nkume and Jennifer Ncwane sought help on her behalf.
Dorah’s message to young people is to respect their elders, love one another and consider everyone as family, regardless of whether or not you know them.
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