Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Sunday News Reporter
THE warm morning rays of the August sun cast gently across the neat lawns of the Khumalos’ home in Parklands suburb in Bulawayo, while the sound of laughter, ululations and hymn singing floated through the air.
Beneath a canvas tent decorated with colourful balloons and flowers sat the guest of honour, Gogo Esther Mgutshini, affectionately known as Gogo Mgutshini.
At 100 years old, the retired educationist and beloved matriarch, dressed in a soft blue dress and matching sunhat, beamed quietly as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some having travelled from as far as South Africa and the United Kingdom, gathered around her.
The milestone celebration was hosted by her son-in-law, prominent Bulawayo figure Prince Peter Zwide Khumalo and his wife, Gogo Mgutshini’s only daughter, Mrs Thumamina Zwide Khumalo.
Born into a large family of 11 children comprising seven boys and three girls, Gogo Mgutshini is now the eldest surviving sibling.
While all her brothers have passed on, she and her two sisters continue to hold on to the thread of life, a rare blessing that brought both tears and smiles to those who came to celebrate her century.
She has lived long enough to see three children, four stepchildren, dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow under her care.
For many of them, she is the bridge between the past and the present, a storyteller, a disciplinarian, a prayer warrior and above all, a symbol of unity.
Even as guests sang happy birthday, she chuckled softly, confessing she had barely remembered it was her special day.
Asked what memory stood out most from her younger years, she laughed and said she used to love bread and chicken more than anything else.
Her daughter, Mrs Khumalo, held back tears as she described her mother’s love and discipline.
“She raised not only me but also my late father’s four other children as her own. She always tells us stories of her time in South Africa, where she went to school at Gwambe and Tiger School.
“There she qualified in domestic science, which is home craft and knitting. Thanks to her father who believed in education for all his children,” she said.
Returning to Zimbabwe, Gogo Mgutshini went on to teach at several institutions, including Goromonzi, Phumelela, Gangu, Induba and Nyathini. She became known not only as a teacher of knowledge, but also of life skills.
“She taught us the value of prayer, how to cook, how to sew wedding dresses, and even the importance of keeping the walls of the house clean. She instilled perseverance in all of us,” her daughter added.
Her grandson, Mr Ndabezulu Khumalo, described her as a woman who never sat idle.
“My grandmother raised so many of us, even cousins from my father’s side. She taught us to pray, to stay united and to work hard.
She loved visiting people, selling small items, just so she could walk and stay active.
“That’s why she is still strong today and doesn’t even use a walking stick,” he said proudly.
Prince Zwide Khumalo, her son-in-law, said she had brought immeasurable wisdom into their household.
“Since she started staying with us, she has been the voice of reason, advising grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reminding us of values we sometimes forget.
Today is special not just because she turned 100, but because she continues to inspire us daily,” he said.
“We wish her many more years, and we’re still trying to find her secret to such a long and fruitful life.”
Bongani Ndlovu