MKHULU Klaas Msiza isn't your ordinary madala.
The 96-year-old from Soshanguve, north of Tshwane, might be a Christian, but his ancestors still hold a sacred place in his heart and home.
Using his trusted snuff, mkhulu Klaas chats regularly with amadlozi and also brews mqombothi to perform rituals that keep them happy.
"My ancestors have been guiding and protecting me all my life. I've been dreaming about them since I was a young boy, and they continue doing wonders for me. I'm truly grateful," he told Daily Sun.
Over the next coming weeks, Daily Sun will shine the light on incredible elders SunReaders nominated for our Gogo and Mkhulu of the Year Competition.
The two winners, who stand a chance to win R5 000 and amazing prizes, will be awarded in July 2025.
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These are inspiring men and women who have touched lives, shared wisdom and stood as pillars of strength in their communities.
At his ripe old age, mkhulu Klaas admits he's grown weaker and hasn't been feeling his best lately, but he's not one to dwell on it.
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But when he does feel better, you'll find him busy in the garden or trimming trees. And when he's not caught up with yard work, he has one guilty pleasure - crispy, golden chips!
"I could eat chips every day and not get tired of them," he chuckled.
Mkhulu Klaas might love amadlozi, but he has an important message for young men:
"Respect women! Pay lobola and forget about vat en sit. Treat your wives properly."
And this mkhulu knows all about treating his partner right. He's been married to his beloved wife, gogo Sarah (82) for over 40 years.
Sarah, who is blind, said their love is still as strong as ever.
"Sarah was a virgin when I married her. We're still madly in love and I thank God for her every day," said mkhulu.
Gogo Sarah couldn't help but gush about her husband.
"I love my man! He's still as handsome as the day I met him and we're inseparable," she said, smiling.
As a church singer and preacher, the couple often finds joy in their faith and their time together.
"This is my one and only man in this world," said gogo Sarah.
The couple's daughter Poppy (53) couldn't hold back her gratitude for her wonderful parents.
"It's such a blessing to still have my mum and dad around. Dad has always been hardworking. He even built our family home back in 1994 because he was a builder," she said.
Poppy revealed that her dad, despite his age, still has a sweet tooth.
"He loves his tea in a zinc cup and is crazy about sweets and chocolate."
Out of his 10 kids, only nine have survived, but Klaas is surrounded by plenty of abazukulu who adore him.
Poppy said her parents have taught everyone in the family an important lesson: "Respect each other, especially in marriage. And let's not forget - dad absolutely despises vat en sit relationships."
