The secret to a long life: Insights from Nyanga's beloved centenarian

A great-grandmother from Nyanga who recently turned 100 said the secret to a long life is "respect, respect and respect". 

Nomvula “MaDlomo” Gcelu was born on August 18, 1925, in eXesi (Middledrift) in the Eastern Cape. She arrived in Cape Town in 1944 in Langa township, but moved to Nyanga in 1946, where she still resides today.

She was married to Sigwelo Gcelu, who died in 1994. Together they have eight children - four daughters and four sons - 32 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She worked as a domestic worker until she retired at 70.

This week, she was surrounded by her family and friends in celebration of her special day. Her family and friends joined her for some dancing, singing, and a braai.

She said it was amazing to see people, including her children, celebrating such an amazing milestone with her.

When asked what her secret was to a long life, MaDlomo, as she is affectionately known by her clan name, said it was simple: no red meat, no stamp mealies, no porridge, and more veggies and activities.

It was surprising for a village girl to become a township black lady who does not eat meat and lives an active lifestyle, she said, adding that taking care of the body is vital to long life.

“If you want to live longer, you must take care of your body, be a good listener, and do not eat everything on planet earth. I do not eat red meat and instead eat more vegetables.

"However, it is important to listen to those who are older than you. Respect goes a long way. I can safely say respect, respect, respect. These days, young people die early because they are not listening and they lack respect for the elders,” she said. 

"That gave me a good lifestyle."

The party was organised by her children, relatives, and members of the local community who described her as a “loving mother”.

MaDlomo thanked God for granting her extra years while many of her peers had died and said she remained humbled but less active in exercises.

Her children believe they will also reach and surpass her milestone. One of her daughters, Phumla Lali, described her mother as a woman committed to family unity.

“She is an amazing person who never discriminates against children from other families. She loved everyone, irrespective of where they came from.

"She is a God-fearing individual who has also taught her children to love God. We are blessed to have her as our mother. She has guided us as children and family members from a young age. We dearly love her,” she said.