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Yvonne Ncube, Chronicle Correspondent
AT a time when divorce cases are on the rise in Zimbabwe, Mr John Mazwi Moyo (97) and his wife Mrs Ellinah Sibanda Moyo (90) of Matobo district in Matabeleland South have celebrated 70 years of marriage and the ceremony was attended by more than 700 people.

The two enduring love birds met in Bulawayo and got married in 1951 when Mr Moyo was an artisan builder under the Ministry of Roads and Mrs Moyo worked as a Red Cross nurse.

A rare testimony in this day, Mr and Mrs Moyo’s story is something to take home as it is envied by many.

Mr and Mrs Moyo have seven children, four boys and three girls, three of whom are late. As the family grew, they eventually had sixteen grandchildren, two of them also late. They have lived to see 23 great grandchildren, two of whom are late.

A fortnight ago Seula villagers in Matobo District stepped out of the comfort of their homes to help Mr and Mrs Moyo celebrate their enduring marriage.

Miss Sibongile Moyo (61) their third born daughter told Chronicle that the couple is still in good health.

“My parents have lived for a long time and are almost nearing a hundred years but they are still in good health. The common misconception is that older people are always in and out of hospital but we have not experienced that. They have a very good memory. I tell you that they can remember things that happened long back. They are such a rare match,” said Miss Moyo.

She said Mr and Mrs Moyo have lived long to see their great-grandchildren.

“My father originates from Seula while my mother is from Kezi. They met in Bulawayo and later got married in 1951. My father worked under the Ministry of Roads as a supervisor, he and his team then were the ones responsible for building bridges mostly in Matabeleland South. However, he later on retired and came to settle down.

“My mother on the other hand worked for a short time at Hillside as a Red Cross nurse. She left her job after getting married. We were born seven in our family of which four were boys and three were girls.

However, three have died. My parents had 16 grandchildren but unfortunately, two passed on. They have also lived to see their great-grandchildren who all in all are supposed to be 23 but two have passed on,” she said.

Miss Moyo said when they were growing up the couple used to be strict about education.

“My parents used to be very strict about school. They taught us that school is the most important thing in one’s life. As a result, they worked hard so that each and every one of us gets an opportunity to go to school. They have always been a good example in our community. Today we have graduates, master’s degrees and PhD graduates in our family because we still uphold their teachings.”

Miss Moyo said her parents love helping others, hence she thinks God is rewarding them with a long life.

She said the community nicknamed Mr Moyo “Umfana odla okwakhe.”

“My father used to work so hard that when people were describing him they used to say “umfana odla okwakhe”. My mother used to give a lot, she would sometimes take our things and give them to others and say they needed them the most. My mother was a hard worker; she never liked sitting down, whenever she finished her chores she would always go to the farm and find something to do. I believe that is why she is still fit even at the age of 90.

“My mother cannot walk anymore but my father can still walk with the help of a stick. They can both see and hear but not as well as they used to. Their granddaughter in the UK sends them tablets that give them strength and they also take Vitamin C everyday. They are very particular about their health.

Sometimes they brag that they are the oldest people in the community and they always praise God for that. They also love to share their history and the family benefits from that,” Miss Moyo said.
Miss Moyo said over 700 people attended her parents’ 70th anniversary.

“Two weeks ago we decided to throw them a big party to acknowledge the length of their union. It is not a common thing these days and people usually come to them for advice. A total of 713 people attended their 70th anniversary, everyone wanted to be there to witness it. People love them so much that they are not only our parents but community parents,” she added.

When asked about the secrets to long marriages, Mr Moyo said being faithful is the key to the success of a marriage.

“For a marriage to be successful you need to be faithful to your wife. You must try by all means to avoid extramarital affairs. As a man, you must stay away from any other woman who is not your wife. This is what destroys marriages today. You find a married man with girlfriends, not even one but many.

Women should also avoid the same if they want their marriages to last,” said Mr Moyo.

“If you want to live a long life, stay away from beer and smoking. Those things are harmful to your health. I don’t drink beer myself. Eating healthily and creating a good relationship with people around you also contribute to long life. Helping the people around you also earns you the blessing of life from God. I always encourage people to give whenever they can or have something to spare.”

Mrs Moyo on the other hand said the secret to a long marriage is respecting each other.

“Marriage is not all roses every day. That is why it is important to respect each other even on a bad day so that you do not strain your relationship. Solving your issues in a civilised manner is very important in marriage. These things that a couple sleeps not on speaking terms are not prescribed at all. Working hard as a woman and lending a helping hand whenever you can is a must,” Mrs Moyo.

Mr Joseph Dube, the headmaster at Seula Secondary School said he knew the couple when they were younger.

“Mr Moyo is an artisan builder and has helped in the construction of a classroom block and four teachers’ cottages at the school. He also built a nice durawalled home where he spends most of his time, repairing, renovating, or erecting new structures. I think as a nation we should encourage such long marriages as they help to keep the family fibre together,” said Mr Dube.

“They live to their word and I think it’s a rare match. They are seasoned farmers, members of various development committees in the area and donate to the less privileged members of the community.” – @SeehYvonne