Chronicle Editor
Amanda Mlevu, Sunday News Reporter
A TOTAL of sixty-one centenarians out of the identified seventy-eight availed themselves at the recently held second annual celebration of centenarians that was hosted in Bulawayo by SPA Community Trust and described it as a fun-filled platform to tap knowledge and wisdom from senior citizens.
The centenarians were drawn from three provinces with Bulawayo contributing the biggest number — 23, while Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South contributed 19 each.
The oldest of the centenarians who attended the event is Ms Langalibi Khumalo, who is 110 years from Bulawayo. Khumalo was presented with a certificate and a super centenarian medal. The other 17 were unable to attend due to mobility and health reasons.
The founder and CEO of SPA Community Trust, Mrs Nokuthula Ndlovu, said it was an honour to be in the presence of so many centenarians. She said she was extremely grateful for those who were able to attend, adding that they were working to make it bigger every year.
“It is not often that one is given the opportunity to be in a room filled with so much knowledge both cultural and academic. I hope that everyone who was able to attend the event had a chance to speak to a centenarian and learn something from them,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
She said the event was inspired by how the Queen of England began a custom of celebrating centenarians by writing them letters and delivering cakes door-to-door.
Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga was the guest of honour while Bulawayo’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube, the Mayor Councillor David Coltart and Nust Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Academic Affairs Professor Yogi Naik were some of the invited guests who graced the event.
Centenarians were escorted by various members of the community and rode in style in luxurious BMWs and the famous Landa J Nkomo red tour bus.
The streets were filled with the sounds of music as drum majorettes from Amhlope High School, Coghlan Primary School and Mgoqo Primary School guided the centenarians throughout city while the ZPCS band led the way.
SPA Community Trust co-founder Caroline Stackhouse said they were grateful for the attendance of the centenarians and they would take the knowledge they shared and implement it into their everyday life experiences
“Our kings and queens your presence contributed to the event’s beauty and refinement. Your energy, optimism, and engaging approach were much appreciated and added to the event’s unforgettable quality. It was a pleasure to have you along for the ride, and we hope you had a wonderful special day,” said Mrs Stackhouse.
One of the centenarians, Mafindo Sibanda (102) from Matabeleland North, said she was thankful and grateful to Mrs Chiwenga and the SPA Community Trust for the wonderful time that they had.
“We thank you SPA Community Trust and Mrs Chiwenga. I ate food that I have never eaten in my entire life. I am thankful for the gifts that you gave us and I promise next year I will surely attend with my friends again, I’m sure they will have a great time,” said Mrs Sibanda.
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