Kwa-Thema resident Violet Molefe recently celebrated her 109th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbours who gathered to honour her extraordinary life journey.

The centenarian raised seven children single-handedly on a domestic worker’s wage after her husband died young, reports African Reporter. Today, she is survived by three of her children, including her youngest daughter, Velemina Chempi (80).

“We did not have a proper home, but our mother always made a way,” Chempi said, reflecting on their impoverished background.

“I watched her raise us with love and dedication. She taught me that the first step towards a great life is building a relationship with God.”

The annual celebration held on May 9, was arranged by Molefe’s church leader and event organiser, Nobantu Mabitsela, marking the seventh consecutive year the community has formally honoured her longevity.

“It is a blessing to have such an elderly woman among us,” Mabitsela noted, urging the community to celebrate Molefe as a living milestone.

Sharing her secret to a long life, Molefe offered simple advice to the well-wishers: “Fear God in order to live a long and fruitful life. Above everything, spread love and respect to others.”

Molefe expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who attended, adding that it brought her immense joy to see how much her family and community still care for her.