110 years and still going strong
2006-01-19
“IT is only through the grace of God that I have been able to achieve this ripe age. He has guided me and will continue doing so.”
These are the words of Laiza Conana who recently celebrated her 110th birthday.
Although Laiza’s birthday was on 10 October, she opted to celebrate that day without any fuss.
But shortly after the New Year, she decided to hold a gathering for her family and friends in thanksgiving for the long and wonderful life that He had given her.
Born on 10 October 1895 in the old Transkei, Laiza and her family where trek-farmers, and moved their cattle and goats from one place to another.
She ended up in Beaufort West where Laiza met her husband, William. In 1971 they moved to Mbekweni
Laiza has outlived her husband, as well as two children, Eunice and Welcome.
She has witnessed the birth of 21 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, many of whom she helped raise.
Laiza is actively involved in the running of her household. She cooks and cleans and never seems to it still.
Laiza’s only surviving child, “Surgeon” Conona, said that some days he cannot believe how active his mother is.
“She does not like driving in a car, so she walks everywhere. Some days she can walk up to 9km.
“She also stills runs a little business by selling sweets and chips to the children.”
According to Laiza, the secret to her longevity is the fact that she has always followed a healthy diet, never smoked and drank, and always served God.
* According to Laiza’s ID book she was born in 1917, but she says this date is incorrectly based on her baptism certificate.
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