Wattville Centenarian Khashane Anna Mashele marked a remarkable milestone on January 7, celebrating her 109th birthday and proving that a healthy lifestyle and unwavering devotion to family may be the true secrets to a long and fulfilling life.

With youthful exuberance, Mashele sported a huge smile, surrounded by her brother, Simon Mashele (87), and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren when the Benoni City Times visited her on January 24.

She was born in 1917 in Bushbuckridge, where she was taught the importance of hard work and living a healthy lifestyle.

“My diet was dominated by vegetables. I exercised and have never drunk alcohol,” she said.

Also Read: WATCH: Etwatwa granny turns 103

She has four children, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Her daughter, Janet Nyakane-Mehlomakhulu, said the centenarian is a devoted mother who was hands-on in raising her children.

“She taught me everything I know. Although she can’t read or write, she ensured that we were well educated.
“My mom ran a tuck shop and used the profit to send us to school. Our father passed away in 1976, but she held on despite being a single mother. I’m a woman today because of her,” said Nyakane-Mehlomakhulu.

“She’s still very active, doing laundry, cooking, and often cleans the yard. She never drank alcohol. That should encourage the youth to live healthy lifestyles”.

Simon thanked Khashane for mentoring her.

“We all look up to her. I wish I could reach her age,” he said.

Also Read: WATCH: Crystal Park granny turns 100