LIMPOPO –  Centenarian Kokwana Merriam Ngomane recently celebrated a milestone that has touched many lives.

Her family and the Methodist Church, Letaba branch in Nkowankowa, hosted a special 100th birthday party for her on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 18.

Ngomane was born on February 8, 1926, and grew up in Komatipoort before moving to Nkowankowa, just outside Tzaneen, in the 1970s. Her second-born child, Sarah Ngomane, shared that their mother instilled in them values of respect, cleanliness, and the Christian faith.

“Mom is a happy soul. Even now, at 100, she loves life and people,” Sarah said. “After our father passed away, she became the family’s breadwinner, taking on various jobs, including domestic work, to put food on the table. We are grateful to God that we still have a mother and her long life. Kokwana eats and bathes independently, walks with the help of a cane, and loves music.”

Ngomane is a proud mother of five children, grandmother to 13, and great-grandmother to 16. Her grandson, Martin Ngomane, said his grandmother always emphasised the importance of education.

“I believe she has reached this age without suffering from chronic illnesses because she never drank alcohol, lived a healthy lifestyle, and has always loved God,” he said.

During the celebration, church member Thembisile Nyalungu explained that the congregation and the Ladies Ministry felt it was important to honor Kokwana for her decades of devotion to the church.

The programme was directed by Filike Langa. Deacon Simanga Mnchunu commented at the celebration, “When we see Ngomane, we see the wonders of God”.

Nelisiwe Mbhalati presented a gift on behalf of the church. In her response, she expressed heartfelt thanks to the church, her family, and neighbours who came to celebrate her life.