Msweswe celebrates a century of blessings

Mathews Mngomezulu is turning a hundred years old on Tuesday, 26 December.

Born Madevu Mathews ‘aka’ Msweswe Mngomezulu at Sibilo Farm in Remhoogte to mother Lesiah “Mnikazilo” Masombuka and father, Nelson Mngomezulu, he was a mischievous boy.

He took on a wife, Sophy “MaNkosi” Sesana Nkosi and they were blessed with 12 children who gave them 30 grandchildren.

The third generation blessed them with 34 great grandchildren while the fourth generation produced three.

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Originally from Swaziland, he stayed on a number of farms around Ermelo and finally moved to Wesselton where he currently lives.

With his late wife, they contributed to ensure that the next generation got a better life and education.

They always emphasized that learning is an endless process and that education, training and development are the most powerful weapons which you can use to change the world.

Msweswe is a man of God and is a priest at the Mpumelelo Congregation.

Reaching the milestone of a hundred years, took a lot of self discipline.

“I have never smoked nor drank alcoholic beverages in the 100 years I have lived,” he says.

He gets a twinkle in his eye remembering how he got the name Msweswe.

“I ran away and joined my brothers to attend the Ndebele mountain ritual, Engomeni.

He still runs, cooks and can see clearly without wearing any spectacles.

“He still can drive and does not use a walking stick even though he walks long distances.”

“And more-over, and most importantly he counts money like an accountant,” says his granddaughter, Mandy Pillay.

Throughout his life, Msweswe had to deal with change.

Some changes were welcoming and some were not.

The sudden passing of loved ones, unforeseen illnesses and the loss of possessions he treasured dearly has shaped him to be the man he is today.

However, he lives by Heraclitus’s philosophy, a Greek philosopher, who said that “Change is the only constant in life”.

Msweswe wants to leave a lasting legacy and has taught his children to work in unity to remove all elements of segregation which include hatred, bigotry, racism and other divisive words and actions.

Having turned a century old, he praises his forefathers.

There will be big celebrations at the Mngomezulu household on 26 December as they celebrate what has been a long and fruitful journey for Mathew Msweswe Mngomezulu.

“I am grateful that I have lived this long and I hope I live another hundred years, if I can.”