Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
DESPITE her failing eyesight, Senzeni Phiri (86) religiously captures notes during every church service. With frail fingers clutching a pen and her notebook held as close to her face as possible, Phiri ensures she records every verse shared. Later, she studies these verses at home.
Phiri, from Makwe Village in Gwanda District, said writing down verses and studying the Bible are among her favourite pastimes.
“When I go to church, I make sure I carry my notebook, pen, and Bible in my handbag so that I can write down the verses. I can no longer record all the preacher’s notes because of my age and poor eyesight hence I now focus on the verses.
“I can’t write as quickly as I used to so I concentrate on the verses. I hold my notebook close because my eyesight is no longer as sharp. I love studying the Bible and writing down the verses gives me a reference point when I read at home,” she said.
Phiri said she prefers writing her own verses as she fears asking others to do that for her might result in her missing some of the verses. She recalled past attempts to have her grandchildren record the verses which resulted in her missing some of the verses.
Writing her own notes also keeps her mind active. Born in Shape Village in Gwanda, Gogo Phiri attended Shape Primary School up to Standard Three.
“For the Bible verses, I use Ndebele and while my spelling might not be perfect, I write in a way I understand. I can also write numbers.
“Even at my age, I haven’t stopped doing things I enjoy. The problem is, when we get older, we quickly tell ourselves we can’t do things without even trying. Once the body and mind stop being active, ageing takes its toll faster,” she said.
Phiri said despite her weak legs, she takes walks whenever possible. She urged her peers not to give up on their passions and also emphasised the need for elders to share their wisdom with younger generations.
Phiri moved to Makwe after marrying. She has relied on farming to support her family and used record-keeping to track her progress.
“I used to be a very active farmer and I measured my progress by recording my produce each year. I’d note the acreage under each crop and then record my yield. Each year, I’d try to improve my production, and if the figures dropped, I’d identify areas for improvement. I know the power of writing, and I won’t give it up easily,” she said.
— @DubeMatutu
