MANY people don't have the privilege of living beyond the age of 100.
But koko Ester Mabitsela celebrated her 112th birthday with her loved ones and had every reason to rejoice.
Koko Ester was showered with love and affection on Saturday, 12 November, in Sausville, Atteridgeville in Tshwane.
She lived to watch her third generation of six daughters and two sons have eight children, 31 grandchildren, and four great-grandkids.
Aside from using a walking stick, koko is free of chronic medical conditions. She sees clearly without glasses and has no hearing issues.
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"I'm very grateful that my grandchildren saw it fit to come together and celebrate my birthday. I'm very happy, and I wish them lots of blessings and luck," she said.
She couldn't speak much during her birthday speech since she was overcome with emotions and fighting back tears.
When asked what her secret was, koko giggled before explaining.
"Brown bread, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and a variety of greens that include cabbage and spinach are what strengthened me," she said.
Koko Ester's wish is to live to see her 200th birthday.
Peter Mabitsela (58), who is the last-born son, described his mother as an observant person with a fantastic sense of humour and excellent memory.
"A lot of young people are dwelling too much in the modern ways of living. They have abandoned their African traditions, practices, and beliefs, which is why we have a lot of youth dying at a young age," he said.
Koko Francinah Mokgokong (64) is koko Ester's youngest daughter and accompanies her to collect her grant money every month.
She told Daily Sun that her mother now has a difficulty walking long distances and she pleads with both the Departments of Health and Social Development to prioritise the service for senior citizens over the age of 80.
"Government should make it their responsibility to employ people to do house visits and give these old souls services from the comfort of their homes," she said, adding that they only have a few years on this planet.
Although koko refused the Covid-19 immunisation, she is still alive and healthy.
Wilson, her husband, who was also privileged to live to be 101, died in 2013.
