KwaDukuza centenarian six years older than sliced bread!
A grandmother to 24, Aunty Shamma also has 40 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
KwaDukuza’s Munnimah Munien was surrounded by generations of descendants as she celebrated her 100th birthday at the weekend.
Affectionately known as ‘Aunty Shamma’, Munien officially reached the century milestone on February 22 but had her celebration with family on Saturday afternoon.
Greeted by a guard of honour on arrival, there was barely a dry eye in the house as four generations showed their appreciation for their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and even great-great-grandmother!
Born and raised in Sydenham, Aunty Shamma moved to Hyde Park near Darnall after marrying her husband Puckree, who passed away in 1996.
Puckree was a labourer while she kept the home and raised their eight children, four of whom have since died.
“She was an excellent gardener and the family never had to buy any vegetables back in the day, everything was grown,” said granddaughter Renette Atchannay.
“No matter what, she made sure there was something to eat while always keeping a pristine home. She is still a neat freak to this day!”
A grandmother to 24, Aunty Shamma also has 40 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
“She led by example in the family, taking the high road and teaching everyone to remain humble,” Renette said.
“If there was someone in her community in need, she made sure to share what little she had to ensure nobody went hungry.”
Although a break-in at her home in 2021 was traumatic, with robbers cutting the chain off her neck and biting the ring off her finger, Renette said the family was amazed by her resilience.
“She is a fighter and strong at heart. At the end of the day we don’t need things like gold and diamonds, she is far more precious than anything else. God has blessed us.”
Renette thanked local businesses who helped make the celebration on Saturday possible.
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