Matriarch of Muani
Rokube, the keeper of the old ways
AT 86, Liasani Rokube still goes out to the reef to fish and collect seafood for her family and four grandchildren. She even weaves mats and the energy she exudes while performing traditional obligations in Muani Village, Kadavu, does not reflect the digits that mark her age.
In fact, the grandmother is the matriarch to 800 villagers.
Ms Rokube is held in high regard by the people of Muani and is referred to as “keeper of the old ways”.
She is very involved in educating young girls and women who were newly married into the village by teaching them village crafts and the ways of the Muani people.
She is regarded by the people of Muani as a keeper of the old ways and was always consulted during traditional events.
Ms Rokube said age was not a disability and rather then spending time at home waiting out her days, she preferred to remain active.
“I will stop working when I am called to meet my Saviour,” she said.
The single mother-of-two said in her heyday she had met men who were willing to marry and begin a family with her, but she said they were turned away because of her rigid terms and conditions.
“My main condition was I would not leave Muani because I did not want to move to a foreign place.”
While asked about the secret to long life, Ms Rokube said it was because she had never married, adding that men were nothing more than a burden on women.
“Because I never married, I live a happy life and do what I want to do and bring up my children the way I want.
“However, living in the village, children are brought up by everyone within the extended family.”
Ms Rokube still weaves mats and even joins women in the village for traditional obligations.
She said her mobile lifestyle has kept her healthy and fit because she was doing what many her age would not be able to do.
“I believe old people need to be allowed to do some chores around the house, it helps keep us fit and makes us feel like we are contributing to the family.
“Plus, it keeps us fit.”
My main condition was I would not leave Muani because I did not want to move to a foreign place. – Liasani Rokube