A woman who is thought to be the world’s oldest person has died at age 128 in Jouberton, South Africa, having lived through three different centuries.
Johanna Mazibuko, a mother of seven, reportedly died in her home in the North West Province of South Africa.
She was born on May 11, 1894 and lived through three centuries.
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Johanna’s carer and daughter-in-law Thandiwe Wesinyana, told News24 that she may have died from a stroke.
However, the reports are unverified and claims of her being the oldest person in the world are not officially recognised.
Speaking to News24 on Tuesday, her daughter-in-law Thandiwe Wesinyana, better known as MmaLerato, said:
"Ouma [Mazibuko] wasn't feeling well, so I took her to the hospital on 14 February. At the hospital, the left side of her body was numb, and doctors said it might be a stroke. She was given high blood medication and painkillers, then discharged on 28 February," said Mmalerato.
Mazibuko spent three days at home and died the next day.
US-born Maria Branyas Morera was named the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records in January, at age 115.
Ms Mazibuko reportedly celebrated her 128th birthday on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
Mazibuko leaves behind two children - five other children have died - 50 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Local mayor James Tsolela previously said: "We have been checking and doing research to see who is the oldest. We can't find anyone her age. We do have her ID saying that.
"We have to try and put her in the Guinness Book of Records, so she can be properly honoured."
Though she managed to reach the advanced age of 128, Mazibuko and her siblings never learnt to read or write because they never had the opportunity to receive an education.
Despite being illiterate, she told News24 why she may have lived so long: "We lived so well on the farms. There were no problems."
She could not remember her childhood well, she recalled the time there was a locust infestation on the farms.
She said: "There were ones we could catch and eat. It was like you were eating meat.
"We would just fry them and eat them like that, just on their own."
Meanwhile, Ms Morera, who uses Twitter with the help of her daughter, said after receiving the official status that she was “surprised and grateful” for the interest generated.
However, the last few days had been “stressful” and she would not be giving any more interviews.
“I need peace and tranquillity,” she tweeted. “I have lived in the Tura Residence for 22 years and I do not want the day-to-day life of the residents or the staff who take care of us to change.”
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