THE year 1918 was when Roli-hlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape. It would have been his 101th birthday on July 18th.
Another person born 101 years ago, and still alive, is Merika Brukhwe. On June 6th, he was born in the Alicedale district.
Today Brukhwe’s family will celebrate his 101th birthday in KwNo-buhle where he stays with one of his daughters. He fathered four children of whom two have passed on.
Interestingly enough day of birth 101 years ago, was also a Thursday.
His daughters Lydia Songwiqi (64) and Nosizwe Mdilitwane (73) and their extended families will today share this special day with him.
Brukhwe as a young man was employed at the South African Railways and he was based in Grahamstown (now Makhanda). He later moved to Dimbaza where he lived most of his life. It was only after his wife passed away that he moved to KwaNobuhle to be closer to his children and all their offspring.
His health is still in relatively good condition except for his sight and hearing.
Being 101 years old today, means Brukhwe has lived for 36 887 days and he has experienced 1 249 full moons.
