DRIEKOP – At an extraordinary 115 years of age, Gogo Nompilo Maleka from Driekop, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, continues to inspire many with her remarkable energy, independence and positive outlook on life. Far from slowing down, the supercentenarian still lives each day with purpose, dignity and discipline, maintaining a routine that she believes has kept her strong for over a century.
Despite her age, Maleka remains active in her daily household responsibilities. Every morning, she wakes up early to clean her home, cook meals, make her bed and complete various chores. She says this daily movement and responsibility are key reasons she has remained healthy for so long. “It keeps me young,” she says with a warm smile, reflecting on a life built on discipline and consistency.
Maleka strongly believes that hard work, prayer and a traditional healthy diet have contributed to her long life. She explains that she has never embraced a sedentary lifestyle, instead choosing to stay busy and engaged in her home and family life. According to her, inactivity is something she has always avoided, and she encourages younger generations to remain physically active in their daily routines.
Cooking is one of her lifelong passions. Known among her family for her traditional meals and cherished recipes, she takes pride in preparing food for her loved ones. “Cooking runs in the family,” she says proudly. For Maleka, preparing meals is not just a duty but also a source of joy and connection.
Her diet remains simple and rooted in African tradition. She regularly eats brown mabele pap, sugar beans and indigenous leafy vegetables known as morogo. She also enjoys fresh fruits such as oranges, mangoes and grapes, along with milk and occasional treats like Appletiser. She believes that natural, unprocessed foods have helped her stay strong and avoid serious illness over the years.
Maleka has lived through major historical events, including both World Wars and multiple global health crises. She recalls witnessing the impact of diseases such as polio, malaria, HIV and COVID-19 across generations. Despite these challenges, she expresses gratitude that modern medicine has made many illnesses more manageable today.
“I have seen many people die from sickness over the years, but I thank God for the strength to still be here,” she says.
Her family is also a major part of her legacy. She is the mother of 10 children, grandmother to 55 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 110 great-grandchildren. Her large family continues to be a source of pride, joy and motivation in her daily life.
Even at her advanced age, Maleka says she does not suffer from major chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes and is not on long-term medication. She describes herself as “healthy like a racing horse” and maintains that her faith plays a central role in her wellbeing. Each day begins with prayer, where she asks for strength, protection and gratitude for life.
Medical expert Dr Robert Sehulong Moraba notes that individuals who live beyond 110 years often share a combination of genetic advantages, active lifestyles and strong social connections. He adds that longevity is influenced not only by biology but also by emotional wellbeing, positive relationships and stress management.
Gogo Nompilo Maleka’s life stands as a powerful example of resilience, tradition and active living, offering inspiration to younger generations across South Africa and beyond.
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