[A CENTURY AND BEYOND: ADM HONOURS 118-YEAR-OLD TEKO KONA MATRIARCH IN A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, LEGACY AND HERITAGE]
In a remarkable milestone celebration of longevity, heritage and community culture, Amathole District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr. Anele Ntsangani, joined by Mnquma Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa visited Teko Kona Village, Centane in Ward 24 on 15 September 2026 to honour and celebrate Ms. Nowanele “Yucu” Mvuza on reaching the extraordinary age of 118 years soon to be 119 in the month of October.
The occasion marked more than a celebration but was a tribute to a life spanning more than a century and a recognition of Ms. Mvuza as one of the Amathole District’s remaining centenarians. Surrounded by her family, community members, government representatives and people across generations, Ms. Mvuza was celebrated as a living connection between the past and present and a treasured source of wisdom for generations still to come.
Forming part of ADM’s Heritage Month programme, the celebration recognised Ms. Mvuza’s life as part of the District’s living heritage. At 118 years old, she has witnessed more than a century of social, cultural and historical transformation, including South Africa’s long journey towards democracy and freedom. Speakers paid heartfelt tribute to Ms. Mvuza for the positive influence she has had on those around her and for her contribution towards nurturing a resilient, caring and united community. While her remarkable age drew admiration, it was her wisdom, strength, lived experience and the legacy she continues to represent that stood at the heart of the celebration. Her story serves as a reminder that heritage is not only found in historical places and monuments, but also lives through people, families, traditions, memories and the knowledge passed from one generation to another.
Executive Mayor Cllr. Anele Ntsangani commended the Teko Kona community and the Mvuza family for the care and respect they continue to show towards elderly people. He emphasised that communities have a collective responsibility to protect senior citizens from abuse, crime and gender-based violence while creating environments in which they can live with dignity, safety and love.
“Ms. Mvuza is blessed with the many years that have been granted to her, but this milestone also speaks to the love and care shown by her family and community. Their support has allowed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to still have her among them and to share this extraordinary occasion with her. Our elderly are the custodians of our history, and we must protect, respect and cherish them,” said Cllr. Ntsangani.
The Executive Mayor further expressed admiration at Ms. Mvuza’s health and vitality at 118 years of age, noting the significance of seeing her surrounded by several generations of her family and community. As the only elder from her generation still living in the community, Ms. Mvuza occupies a special place in the history of Teko Kona. Community members pledged to continue supporting and caring for her while strengthening efforts to ensure that all elderly residents are able to live in safe, supportive and caring environments.
The visit also highlighted the municipalities’ broader commitment to the development of Teko Kona Village. ADM, working together with Mnquma Local Municipality, has previously supported the community through the donation of building materials towards its sheep and wool farming initiatives. This support contributes towards strengthening local economic development and creating opportunities for rural communities to participate meaningfully in the local economy. Ntsangani highlighted that the continued support demonstrates the importance of government remaining connected to communities beyond once-off programmes. Through collaborative planning and the District Development Model’s One Plan approach, the municipalities continue working together to coordinate resources, strengthen service delivery and advance sustainable development across communities.
The celebration of Ms. Nowanele “Yucu” Mvuza therefore stood as both an extraordinary personal milestone and a powerful Heritage Month message that when communities protect their elderly, they protect their history, identity and wisdom. At 118 years old, Ms. Mvuza is more than a witness to history and rather living heritage, a bridge between generations and a remarkable symbol of resilience whose story will remain part of the legacy of Teko Kona and the greater Amathole District for generations to come.