Ishmael Matjila Speaks Against Cohabitation Without Marriage

Ishmael Matjila, a 100-year-old resident from Mmakaunyane in the North West, holds firm views against cohabitation without marriage, known locally as “vat en sit” and “umjolo,” according to Daily Sun.

Mkhulu Ishmael stated that couples should marry properly to receive blessings from families and God. “Vat en sit isn’t right and isn’t taking you anywhere. People won’t give you the respect you deserve,” he said, as reported by Daily Sun.

He explained that he informs his children and grandchildren that cohabitation is unwelcome in his home. In African culture, paying lobola remains essential because without it, the woman a man lives with is not legally his wife.

Having been married to his 80-year-old wife, Linah Matjila, for many years, Ishmael recalled paying over R500 in lobola to his in-laws long ago. He vowed that death will separate him from his wife. Gogo Linah confirmed that her husband dislikes cohabitation and emphasized that having children outside of marriage is not ideal.

Reflecting on his youth, Ishmael mentioned that he worked on farms in Limpopo and enjoyed wearing smart clothes with a tie. He noted that he used to have many girlfriends when he was young because he was smart and the times were safe, contrasting that era with the current prevalence of HIV/Aids.

Beyond his marital views, Mkhulu Ishmael spends his free time planting crops and enjoys eating boiled meat despite having only two teeth left. He also loves cakes, cookies, and ginger beer. Attributing his longevity to fearing God and reading the Bible, he urged young people to respect elders to live long lives.