Themba resident turns 100
GEORGE. - There were many smiling faces in Zone 1, Thembalethu on Sunday 14 February. Not only was it Valentine’s Day, it also marked a special milestone for Cecilia Nomalanga Madumashe who celebrated her 100th birthday. Cecilia was born on 14 February 1921 in the Ciskei (now Eastern Province).
Surrounded by family and friends, she celebrated the day with a special 100th birthday cake, a braai and a visit from two George council members, Piet van der Hoven and Langa Langa, who presented her with another cake. Cecilia told George
Herald she is still healthy and is very happy. She shared the secret of her good health - constant visits to the clinic.
Her granddaughter, Georgina Sekelanie, said Cecilia is in good spirits and generally her health is excellent. She said Cecilia was excited as she didn’t expect all the festivities, and she was enjoying the day. Cecilia’s memory is still good and sometimes she shares some of her past experiences. Her grandmother loves marshmallows, speaks Xhosa and Afrikaans, and can understand a bit of English.
Georgina said she and her grandmother are very close.
“We have a special relationship. My mother left for Cape Town to work when I was only three years old. I grew up with my grandmother. She always supported my education.”
Cecilia had nine children (of which three have already passed away), 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 12 greatgreat-grandchildren.