Mother of Venda chief passes her learner’s licence aged 59

Vhakoma Vho-Lavhelesani Gladys Nyamande of Matangari village is happy to have passed her learner’s licence at the age of 59.

The mother of a traditional Venda chief, Nyamande says, “I will be turning 60 in just few months but my advanced age is not a stumbling block for me to achieve what I have set out in life.”

She was jubilantly saying this after she passed her learner’s licence examinations just days before the country went into lockdown.

In Tshivenda, Vhakoma is a title given to the mother of a traditional leader. Vho-Lavhelesani is the mother of Matangari village traditional leader, Musanda Vho-Mutulagole Nyamande.

Becoming a licenced driver

She says she was happy that her dream of becoming a qualified driver is about to be realised.

“I used to procrastinate but I later realised that time was flying and I was no longer young. I committed to using my time wisely because age is no longer on my side. I then took the bull by the horns and decided to enrol for my driving licence lessons.”

She added that her classmates at the driving school were very supportive.

“I was the eldest in the class and nobody made jokes about me. Some classmates were young enough to be my kids while others qualified to be my grandchildren. But despite all this, I worked hard because I knew exactly what brought me to the driving school. In the class, everyone supported me and gave me courage to concentrate on my studies. My class had become a big family and I enjoyed being a part of it,” she said.

Vho-Lavhelesani said she is happy that she could now drive a car in the presence of a qualified driver.

“I have already booked for my driver’s licence test and I have no doubt that I will get it. I will soon be able to get into the road alone without anyone assisting me on my side.”

She encourages both young and old people not to give up on their dreams.

“If I did it at the age of 59, it means that everyone can do it. We all just have to stand up and improve our lives because there will be time for us to depart from this world. The sooner we take steps while we are still breathing, the better.”

Vho-Lavhelesani’s son, Musanda Vho-Mutulagole Nyamande said he was very proud of his mother.

“She is a true example that with dedication, everything is possible. Her achievements will encourage other community members to do their best in life. Indeed, she is the true mother of the nation who lives by example.”