Sejake’s 110 years of memories

It is estimated that there are only between 300 and 500 super-centenarians – someone who has reached the age of 110 – in the world.

Setoki Sejake, from Meloding in Virginia, reached this amazing milestone last Saturday.

“Life is a journey that should not be taken for granted. I have collected all kinds of memories along the way and I have enjoyed being a part of it,” said Sejake during his birthday celebrations.

Born on 6 May 1902, Sejake is a full century and a decade old. Yet, he is known by everyone as the grandpa who has more energy than most people half his age.

Sejake stretches every day and walks at least 10km.
“I enjoy being outside and interacting with people and I also love working in the garden; this is how I keep myself busy every day.”
Sejake was born in the Clocolan district.

In the early 50s he moved to Meloding, while working for Nieuwoudt contractors in Bloemfontein.

He later joined the Virginia Municipality where he worked until his retirement.

Sejake and his late wife, Motshidisi, have five children, who now have ten children of their own and “too many grandchildren to count”.

Sejake’s eldest daughter, Mary Mompé (67), with whom he lives, said he likes to make jokes.

“I think my father does the tricks so he can remain part of the conversations, because his hearing is starting to fade.”

She said the party is their way of giving back to their father and to let him know how much he is appreciated.

“People say life is too short yet they do not make time for each other, until it is too late. I lost my mother in 2005 and it has taught me the value of appreciating loved ones for as long as they are alive.”

Although Sejake is now starting to experience problems with his sight and hearing, his family is grateful that he has no other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.

“My grandfather always say he is so old because it is written in the great book of life in heaven,” laughed Maki Sejake (38), one of his great-grandchildren.

“He reached 110 without being on medication or taking pills, only pills for flu now and then,” she added.

Maki said she cannot imagine life without the old man.
“He is not a person who interferes or makes a lot of noise to be seen or heard, but he has a very strong presence. Everything about life I learned from him. He has taught me the importance of loving your neighbour as you love yourself, being patient and respecting people regardless of their age because in the end we are all human beings with feelings. It has been a privilege to have him as my great-grandfather.”

Sejake said his time on earth has been a blessing but that he is getting tired and misses his wife.

He added he had the privilege of raising and knowing his children, their children and their children’s children after his wife passed on, and telling them about their grandmother.

“But if dying means being in heaven and being with her, then I am ready to go,” the old man said.

Over 200 family members, friends, and neighbours celebrated Sejake’s birthday with him.