In April of this year, Limpopo Mirror published an inspiring story about Vho-Avheani Munyai, a centenarian from Phadzima Mazhazhani village outside Louis Trichardt, who had reached the remarkable age of 100. With deep sadness the local community learned of the passing of this beloved grandmother, who peacefully passed away in her sleep at her home on Wednesday, 2 August.

She was laid to rest in the Phadzima Dzumbathoho graveyard on National Women’s Day, 9 August.

Vho-Avheani was born on 5 April 1923. Despite her advanced years, she remained strong until her passing. During a prior interview with this newspaper, she was still able to walk independently, carry out most household chores without assistance, and vividly recollect events spanning her 100 years of life, despite never having attended school.

Vho-Avheani’s granddaughter, Vhutshilo Mavhungu, highlighted Vho-Avheani’s exceptional storytelling ability, particularly about historical events that had never been documented. “She was akin to a walking encyclopaedia, able to recall everything from her remarkable memory. The most painful aspect is that we could not capture all she had shared with us in documented form as we believed she still had more time with us on this Earth. This painful lesson teaches us that she has left us with invaluable knowledge and history that current and future generations could have greatly benefited from.”

Despite their grief, Mavhungu expressed gratitude to God for gifting them with the presence of Vho-Avheani. “Adored by many, she possessed a gentle soul that would not harm even a fly. We are fortunate to have shared numerous special moments with this exceptional historian and storyteller. She fulfilled her purpose in this world, and we believe her soul has found peace,” she concluded.