For Mantshehiseng Mamasilo Moseli, celebrated whilst alive by close relatives and family members as the oldest living mother and turning 104 years old, stands out as one of the lasting memories.
A celebratory function was held on Saturday, 11 May, at the Motlotlo Development Centre in Bloemfontein.
Moseli was born on 11 May in 1920 in Bloemfontein – two years after the First World War, which lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918.
The centenarian survived the World War 2 (1 September 1939 to 2 September 1945), including the epidemic and pandemic diseases with the most recent being Covid-19.
Moseli is the first child in the family of ten siblings and the only surviving one.
The 104th birthday celebration was nostalgic for her.
She has some fond memories of her upbringing, youthfulness, healthy food and natural tasty wild fruits they consumed with her siblings, family members and close relatives as well as her peers.
Moseli attributes her longevity to good genetics, respect for adults, self respect and respecting others. In addition, she pointed that a healthy diet was another factor to living beyond a century.
“It is the grace of God that I am still alive and reached this age. I am very grateful to the children of my siblings who are looking after me at my old age. Myself, my siblings and friends would go to the veld, to enjoy eating tasty range of wild berries and some wild carrots,” said Moseli.
According to health scientists, berries are a heart-healthy food and help lower cholesterol.
Cilia Kala said she felt blessed having Moseli as the family oldest mother. Kala’s mother is the fourth child after Moseli.
“Mamasilo as we called her, is the greatest mother of our generation. I feel blessed, and always compelled to embrace her as a sibling of my mother, sharing love and the journey of motherhood with her. I am inspired by a genuine sense of belonging to continue caring and supporting her,” said Kala.
