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Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
Mr Richard Ncube Mpabanga (101) of Mzilikazi suburb is one of the centenarians who were treated like kings at an inaugural celebration of the elderly in the city.

The centenarian was one of the city’s senior citizens who had a photo-shoot with First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who was guest of honour.

SPA Community Trust and their partners organised the celebrations that saw centenarians receiving certificates, medals, toiletries, blankets, fleeces, walking sticks, clothes, dishes, buckets and food hampers among other things from First Lady Amai Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation.

In an interview with Chronicle at his Mzilikazi home last Friday, Mr Mpabanga said he was born and grew up at Mhlahlandlela in Matopo.

He attributed his long life to eating traditional food, among others.

One of his sons said his father was not a violent person and that is one of the things he had learnt from him.

Mr Mpabanga, a widower, had eight children, but two of them are now late.

He said reaching 101 years is a blessing for him because a lot of his friends he grew up with have passed on.

“Being able to reach this age is a blessing. Most of my peers passed on a long time ago. It makes me happy to see my children grow up with their own children and my grandchildren with their own,” said Mr Mpabanga.

He said he is lucky to have seen three generations of his children.

“I have over 50 grandchildren. I have lived to see three different generations. I am really happy for this opportunity. I hope I will live to see another generation and watch them growing,” said Mr Mpabanga.

He said he grew up eating traditional food at his homestead.

“I grew up eating traditional food like tripe, sweet potatoes and other traditional food. As you can see I am drinking my traditional drink right now and I have my snuff here with me. This snuff strengthens my body; it gives me the strength that I have. We also used to go out in the bush to look for fruits when we were herding cattle. We used to do swimming competitions at the river. This is how I strengthened my body. I was always keeping busy and doing activities which gave me strength and the will to be still alive today,” said Mr Mpabanga.

He said he has always been a charmer so he never had any challenges with getting attention of a lady, but he remained faithful.

He also said back in the day he was a good dancer.

Mr Mpabanga said youths must take care of their health and follow their cultures if they want to live long.

“I have always been a charmer. I never had any issues with getting any girl I wanted. I used to be a good dancer among my peers so that also worked in my favour. However, that does not mean I was unfaithful to my partner. That is another reason why I have reached this age because I took good care of my health. If only these youths could do the same I am sure they would reach my age,” Mr Mpabanga said.

“I would advise the youth to take care of their health. Eat food that is good for you. They should also respect their cultures. They need to make sure that they do not go against their roots and what they have always been taught.”

Mr Mpabanga’s daughter Miss Beauty Ncube Mpabanga (65) said she has always known her father as someone who is gentle, loving, carefree and has always loved his traditional food and beer.

Miss Mpabanga who lives in the United Kingdom said she knows that her father is now old and he

might leave them anytime from now, but she will be sad when the inevitable happens all the same.

“I love my father a lot. I live outside the country but I came to see him last month on his birthday. I stayed for about a month. However, it feels like I did not see him, that is how much I miss him. I know at some point he will have to go because he is now old. However, I hope he does not go now. I know it sounds selfish but I just love my father a lot to accept that he will someday leave us,” she said.

Mr Mpabanga’s son Mr Skhumbuzo Ncube Mpabanga (68) who lives with his father and helps him in his daily routine said he has learnt a lot from his father over these past 68 years.

“I have learned a lot from my father but the few that I can highlight is the importance of avoiding violence. My father has never been a violent person. He does not believe in using force and violence whenever there is a feud. I do not remember a point in my life where my father ever raised his hand at us when he was reprimanding us. He has taught me how to respect my wife and never to lay a hand on her. My father has also paved way for me to raise my children in a proper way which puts them on the right path in life,” Mr Mpabanga said.