Nomamelika Philiso dies three months before 120th birthday
Nomamelika Emily Philiso, the 119-year-old Eastern Cape woman thought to be one of the world’s oldest living people, has died three months short of her 120th birthday.
Philiso, of Qwidlela village near Kwabhaca, died in her sleep on Friday.
She is also thought to have been the oldest person globally to be vaccinated against Covid19.
Her daughter Ntobekhaya Mbedu, 62, said: “I know my mother was an elderly person, but to us it seemed like she would be there with us forever.
“We were busy preparing for her 120th birthday on September 25.
“I was still learning many things from her. She was my guide in life.”
Philiso, who lived at her daughter’s homestead, died without achieving her ambition of having a home of her own.
Mbedu said her mother had died while still waiting for an RDP house.
“She always wanted to die in her own home and hoped that she would have an RDP house built for her.
But my mother bore no grudges and now there is nothing forcing the government to treat her as special.”
Philiso made headlines in June 2021 when she became world what ’was s oldest believed person. to be the
At the time it was also reported she was thought to be the oldest person to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.
She was born on September 25 1902, and attributed her longevity to good eating habits and respecting her elders.
The Umzimvubu municipality promised to name a road and bridge leading to the village after her, but this has not happened yet.
She was not registered by Guinness World Records as the oldest person in the world.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Alfred Nzo district mayor Vukile Mhlelembana and Umzimvubu local mayor Zukuswa Ndevu sent messages of condolences to the family.
Mhlelembana said: “The district municipality will dispatch officials to the family.
“We are saddened to have lost such a heroine and a person who lived for so many decades
— a person who saw so many successive governments. We doff our hats.
“Her participation in the Covid-19 vaccination programme warmed many hearts and encouraged many to get vaccinated.
“We can only be grateful for the memories and the time she spent with us.”
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth said: “We are saddened to learn about the death of makhulu Philiso.
“We are blessed to have had her with us for [so long]. She had a long and happy life.”
Philiso is survived by her daughter, five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.