93rd birthday celebration of Serakalala

Well-known Mr William Serakalala of Ramahantsha celebrated his 93^rd birthday in style during a colourful birthday party held at his home last Saturday.

Mr Elias Serakalala, son of William, told Limpopo Mirror that the aim of the party was to show his father that he, together with sister and grandchildren, loved him. He said that they were very thankful to celebrate the event with their father, who was still strong. “Our father is a man who likes to study the Bible all the time and he loves his family very much.”

He added that the idea came after the children and grandchildren decided that they needed to surprise their father as a sign of paying homage to him.

Rev (Dr) Johana Raphakwana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa added that Serakalala was where he was because he obeyed God's commandments. She said the celebration was a historic event. "A family who does not have senior citizens lacks advice as they provide wisdom," said Raphakwana.

Mr William Serakalala said today’s people were dying at young ages because of the food they ate, and they had totally diverged from their traditional cultural practices. He spends most of his time telling tales to his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. “It is a pity because there is no one documenting these stories. I would like more generations to know about our times, although I believe that I will still live for many years.”

He final advice was: “If you live a clean life like me, God will bless you and you will live long. Respect your elders and preserve your culture. Eat healthy food and distance yourself from alcohol.”

Date:06 July 2019

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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