Paul Pindani in Chinhoyi 

 

A CHINHOYI man, of Mozambican descent, who lives at Chengetanai Old People`s Home, in Hunyani`s high density suburb, in ward four, has credited God for his old age

Chirenje Chisoni, who celebrated his birthday on New Year, took Mash West Times down memory lane, during his youthful days, which he said were characterized by joy and happiness.

Chisoni, vividly remembers the day he left his young girlfriend in Mozambique and crossed the border in search of greener pastures, in the then Rhodesia.

He got employed at a farm somewhere deep down in Marondera as a general laborer.

However, as he was energetic and full of life, Chisoni, like a nomadic Masai cattle header, would hop from one farm to the other, in search of better working conditions.

"I was born in Mozambique but cannot remember the year I came from Mozambique.

"I left my lovely girlfriend whom I used to love a lot," said Chisoni.

He added.

"I still remember a white farmer who took me to Murehwa, but I did not stay long.  I then packed my bags and stayed in Mucheke for a long time, before settling in Headlands,"

Chisoni said dancing runs in his blood.

"I was a good dancer during my youthful days. I would attend concerts in different farming areas

Chisoni added.

"Women would fall head over feels for me because I was young, innocent and handsome then,"

He said most women fell in love with him for his dancing prowess and antics.

"I was not womanizer. That is one secret weapon for longevity.

I used to drink the wise waters a lot, but no longer drinking now due to my old age,"

 

He reminisces the days he would go for drinking binges with his friends in Mucheke.

" I used to drink beer heavily. That was then," he quipped.

He credits the almighty for his long life.

" Ini handizi mwari. Mwari ndivo vanondiziva nokuti mbiri yose ndeyavo nokundichengeta kusvika nhasi," he said.

 

Local businessman, Archibald Nyazamba, who donated some beverages for the birthday party said he was greatly surprised that Chisoni is still going strong despite his old age.

Nyazadza said it was by the grace of the lord that Chisoni has lived up to this day.

"His story has motivated and challenged us to be principled people, if we want to live long" said Nyazamba.

Nyasamba promised to contributions towards any other future birthday celebrations for the inmates.

Fulton Ngandu, finance officer at Chengetanai, said Chisoni is a humble person who lives in harmony with the others.

" He is one such person who is very hygienic. Chisoni can just wake up in the middle of the night to take a bath. He makes sure that he doesn`t skip taking a bath despite the water challenges we face," said Ngandu