Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Blessed Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
THE adage “slow and steady wins the race” aptly describes the extraordinary life of Gogo Laiza Ndlovu, a Chiredzi-born woman who has defied the passage of time and remains both physically fit and visually unimpaired at the remarkable age of 103.
Born in 1921, Gogo Laiza’s incredible journey is a testament to her unwavering resilience, unshakeable optimism and commitment to living life to the fullest. She is now a family matriarch with over 200 great-grandchildren from her eight children.
As she prepares to share her life story with the world, Gogo Laiza’s infectious energy and remarkable vitality have left her family, friends and neighbours awe-inspired, igniting curiosity about the secrets behind her remarkable longevity.
With eyes that do not show signs of tiredness, she regales audiences with tales of her childhood, her experiences as a young woman, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way.
Reflecting on a life spanning over a century, Gogo Laiza’s narrative serves as a powerful reminder that aging is a journey, not a destination. With the right attitude, a strong spirit and a willingness to adapt, one can remain young at heart, regardless of age.
In an interview with Sunday Life, Gogo Laiza shared her experiences growing up in a large family as one of eight siblings — four boys and four girls. “Out of my seven siblings, only one remains alive today, with whom I share a deep bond,” she revealed.
Gogo Laiza’s life story took another fascinating turn when she married Shimunza Ndlovu, a man born in 1891, with whom she had eight children. Her marriage to Ndlovu led to her relocation from Chiredzi to Bulawayo where they settled in Number 4, now Sizinda, and started a family.
That move marked the beginning of a new chapter as she laid down roots, built a family and created lasting memories in Bulawayo which had become her new home.
“I had eight children with my late husband; however, only three of my children are still alive. I now live with my daughter, who takes care of me,” she explained.
But it seems all of them (Gogo Laiza and her husband) were blessed with an amazing gift of longevity as her husband had passed a century mark when he died.
“My husband, originally from Zambia, passed away in 1996 at the age of 105,” she said. Dainah Ndoro, Gogo Laiza’s 72-year-old daughter, took over the interview to discuss her mother’s health.
Despite her age, Ndoro proudly declared that her mother was remarkably healthy and free from many common ailments that are usually associated with old age.
“Our mother is very old, but she does not suffer from high or low blood pressure, her sugar levels are perfectly fine. She is not bothered by any conditions that typically affect the elderly,” Ndoro confirmed.
As they sought to uncover the secrets to Gogo Laiza’s long life, Ndoro fondly remembered her upbringing on a humble farm.
“My mother’s deep understanding of farming taught us that traditional foods are crucial for a long, healthy life,” she recalled.
Gogo Laiza often repeated the saying, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food,” a principle that shaped their approach to nutrition and wellness.
“My mother only eats traditional foods and relies on indigenous herbs as her medicine, she doesn’t visit the hospital,” Ndoro said.
“For breakfast, she enjoys rapoko porridge, and later in the day, she might have rice mixed with peanut butter, but her favourite is sadza.”
Ndoro said her mother has cultivated a flourishing garden of herbs in their yard, showcasing her understanding of their medicinal properties.
“Her garden is also where she exercises, though she is now cautious about walking to avoid falling,” she noted.
The enchanting garden is an oasis with a variety of herbs, each carefully selected for its healing properties. Gogo Laiza’s commitment to holistic living is evident in her dedication to harnessing the power of nature to nourish her family.
By embracing this timeless nutritional wisdom, Gogo Laiza embodies the importance of honouring the knowledge of previous generations.
Surprisingly, Ndoro revealed that her mother enjoys a daily ritual of one bottle of Lion Lager.
“My mother loves her daily bottle of Lion Lager, and you will never see her drunk; it has become a part of her lifestyle,” she added.
Gogo Laiza’s family attempted to tally her great-grandchildren, but the task proved daunting — leaving it to estimates that suggest a figure well above 200 reflecting Gogo Laiza’s remarkable fertility and the legacy of her extensive family.
As the matriarch of this sprawling clan, Gogo Laiza’s influence touches countless loved ones who cherish her wisdom, love and guidance.
“She truly is a blessed great-grandmother, having lived to see generations grow and flourish,” Ndoro expressed with pride.
