105 years young

MORE THAN just a youthful spirit, Brigadier Luhlongwane is the envy of many younger than she is, as she looks nothing over 70 years.
This local Salvation Army church member celebrated her 105th birthday this year.
Born on January 25, 1910 (the beginning of a decade which was a period of revolution in a number of countries around the world) Brigadier Luhlongwane says she still remembers the years of her youth in the Emahashini area very well.
Her surname changed at the early age of 18 from Cebekhulu to Luhlongwane when the late Head of local Faith Mission Church Brig. Luhlongwane took her hand in marriage.
Sadly, Mr Luhlongwane passed away in his early 40’s leaving her with 8 children, 64 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
Brigadier Luhlongwane seems to have led a very healthy lifestyle as she is still fit as a fiddle and is able to walk well without a walking stick. She can read and write, and still occasionally does her own cooking.
The ANC’s parliamentary members including the Premier Senzo Mchunu, the South African Salvation Army’s Commissioner W Langa, Northern Natal’s Major Semenyo and many other cabinet members visited her on Sunday, January 18 at her home in Bhekuzulu to honour her with a certificate.
The parliamentary members congratulated Mrs Luhlongwane and wished her a long and prosperous life.
Brigadier Luhlongwane was spoilt throughout her birthday month as the Salvation Army church members also held a big birthday celebration for her on Sunday, January 25.
The event was co-ordinated by the Chairman of the ANC in Ward 13 Mkhanyiseni Mhlongo, who would like to thank all those who were present for making it a success.