Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter
IT is not every day that a community pauses to celebrate two lives that have travelled the same road for nine decades together, apart and together again.
In the quiet village of Shake in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province joy and nostalgia filled the air as family, friends and neighbours gathered to mark the 90th birthday of identical twins, Mr Percy Dube and Mr Alison Dube — men whose lives have mirrored each other through hardship, separation, reunion and remarkable longevity.
Born on March 14, 1936, the twins have lived long enough to witness generations unfold before their eyes — children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren — a rare privilege that left many in awe during the celebrations.
The festivities brought the usually calm community to a standstill, as ululations, laughter and song honoured two men whose bond has endured the test of time.
While reaching the age of 90 is a feat on its own, the Dube twins say their greatest blessing has been having each other to lean on as they navigate the twilight years of life.
Their journey, however, was not without heartbreak.
According to Percy’s son, Vuni Dube, the twins were born with IsiNdebele names — Ndabezinhle and Phahlani — which were later changed when they enrolled for primary school.
“They were born on 14 March 1936, in the Gwanda area and their names were originally Ndabezinhle and Phahlani. The story is that on the first day of school, their beloved sister, Keziah, decided to rename them Percy and Alison,” he said.
Growing up, the twins were inseparable and well known in the community for their striking resemblance and close bond. But tragedy struck early when they lost their father, forcing the family to separate them.
“Percy went to live with a maternal uncle and later with his sister Keziah in Tsholotsho. Alison was taken in by a paternal uncle in Magedleni. It was painful for them as they missed each other deeply,” Vuni said.
Years passed before fate reunited them in the 1960s when they began working. From that point on, their lives once again ran in parallel.
“Alison first joined the army and later worked for National Foods. He used his earnings to help Percy train as a teacher,” Vuni said.
By the 1970s, the twins ventured into business, with Percy establishing a grinding mill while Alison opened a retail store — enterprises that sustained their families and strengthened their standing in the community.
The birthday celebrations were made even more special by the presence of Mr Luke Nkomo, a childhood friend who has known the twins since their early years.
When asked the secret behind their long lives, the twins shared wisdom forged by time and experience.
“Living in harmony with family and neighbours is very important. And prayer has always guided us,” said Percy.
True to those words, the twins have remained pillars of their community.
“Percy once owned a car that doubled up as an ambulance, ferrying the sick and expectant mothers to hospital. They have always lived within three kilometres of each other and their siblings, visiting frequently,” said Vuni.
Their generosity extended beyond transport. The twins shared a borehole and a water well with neighbours, ensuring access to clean water for the community.
Percy and his wife, Sibuke, also dedicated 43 years to teaching at the local school and other institutions, shaping young minds and leaving a lasting legacy.
Between them, the twins are blessed with 11 children, 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren — living proof of lives well lived.
Percy is married to Sibuke, while Alison is married to Melitha.
