Fearing God, respecting his parents and living a healthy lifestyle are the reasons for his longevity, says Mkhulu Malele Amon Ntimba, who celebrated his 100th birthday on February 2.

Celebrating this milestone with his family in White River, he shared his recipe for living this long and still being able to serve as bishop in the Canaan Zion Christian Church in Phola, which he established.

His identity document confirms that he was born on February 2, 1924, in Mapulaneng Hospital in Marite. He relocated to Phola, but cannot remember exactly when.

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He said his secret to living this long is because he always feared God and loved Him, spending much time in His presence and trusting Him to provide whatever he needed. He also respected his parents and obeyed them. “I have lived a healthy lifestyle from a young age and even now am not taking any chronic medication. I lived a clean life and was always available for my family when they needed me.

“What kept me from chronic diseases is that I was always forgiving and never held grudges against people and apologised when I was wrong, even if I was right. When I saw people were not happy with my actions or my work, I always asked for forgiveness first so that I could live in peace,” he continued.

Ntimba can still walk on his own, his eyesight is good and he can stand and preach in his church. He married his wife, Martha, in 1969, fathered seven children and has 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He worked in one of the mines in Sabie before he became a bricklayer until he retired. “For now I don’t have much to do, but I always keep myself busy with the work of the Lord in the church and spend time with my great-grandchildren and my wife.”

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He also said he was grateful that his 100th birthday was made special by the family, as well as Muriël and Marius Simpson, by having it in a hotel, the first time he has been inside one. His eldest daughter, Lovey Nkuna, said the family hoped God will still keep him for them as his presence is responsible for the unity in it and the church he is leading. “We are so happy that he made it to 100 years and hope that God will give him an even longer life,” she said.

Martha said she was grateful that she got to grow old with him and described him as loving person who always takes good care of his family.