12 Mar 2026

Born before the invention of sliced bread, 104-year-old Mr Okanokile Mathiba is a rare testament to human resilience.

As a centenarian, he belongs to an elite group of ‘exceptional survivors’ who defy the typical trajectory of aging. While most experience a long period of decline, individuals like Mathiba exhibit a compression of morbidity, staying remarkably healthy and vibrant until the very sunset of their lives. 

A resident of Tshikinyega ward in Serowe, he is more than just a survivor, he is a living bridge between the Bechuanaland Protectorate and the modern Republic of Botswana. As a royal uncle to the Bamangwato chieftainship, Mathiba’s life has been inextricably linked with the leadership of Botswana. 

He served as a contemporary and civic cohort to the founding father, Sir Seretse Khama. While many of his peers were called to the front lines of World War II, Mathiba was tasked with a different mission, remaining behind as a key advisor and guardian of the chieftainship. His son and family spokesperson, Moshawa Mathiba, describes his father as a treasure trove of experience and a living encyclopaedia. 

“My father is an oral historian well-versed in Ba-Gammangwato history and culture,” his son says. 

‘Under the instruction of Kgosi Tshekedi Khama, he was sent to Nswanzi to help weld together the communities of the Central District, a mission of social embroidery that created the diverse tapestry of wards we see in Serowe today.’

This knitting together of communities explains why Serowe contains wards such as Mapoka, Marobela, and Sebina. In the Makolojwane ward, families who migrated from the Bokalaka area remain a testament to this history of unbroken unity. 

Mathiba’s eloquence is not limited to history. Despite only reaching ‘Sub-B’ in formal schooling, he is a self-taught linguist. His years working the mines of Pretoria and Bloemfontein in South Africa gifted him fluency in English, Shona, Sekalaka, Naro and Fanakalo. 

Upon his return to Botswana, he dedicated himself to the Malekantwa regiment, a group of community builders who transformed Serowe’s infrastructure. His commitment to the nation was literal, he famously donated cattle to fund the construction of the University of Botswana and the establishment of the Khama III Memorial Museum.

A renowned master of mixed farming, Mr Mathiba’s longevity may be rooted in the red soil of Taukome and Makwa. For decades, he practiced a self-sustaining cycle, his livestock provided manure for his crops and his crop residues fed his animals. 

Even the founding President sought his expertise. He assisted with the Masota, communal fields belonging to the chief, where grain was harvested and stored in granaries to feed the underprivileged and provide a safety net during droughts. 

Today, he has transitioned from labourer to mentor, urging his children to utilise his pastoral wisdom to help restore the country’s cattle herd and bolster national food security.  What is the secret to reaching 104? Mathiba’s son attributes his father’s long life to a formula of optimism, humour and a traditional diet. 

“He grew up on Setswana delicacies: sorghum, maize meal, beans and morogo wa dinawa,” he explains. 

“These are low-processed, nutrient-dense foods free from the sugars and preservatives that shorten lifespans today.” 

Dr Refilwe Monggae, a specialist family physician at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital, confirms that while genetics play a role, lifestyle is the great equaliser. Dr Monggae emphasises a diet rich in legumes, whole grains and healthy fats, alongside a history of consistent physical labour (farming) thwarts chronic disease. 

Other factors include high health literacy, strong community ties and low exposure to chronic stress. While the average life expectancy in Botswana is roughly 69.9 years, Dr Monggae notes that the nation’s robust primary healthcare and ART rollout have helped more citizens push toward the global average. 

As Botswana continues to modernise, Mathiba stands as a reminder of the values that built the nation including compassion, self-reliance and deep respect for the land. He is not just a centenarian, but the personification of Botswana’s journey from one of the world’s poorest protectorates to a stable and prosperous republic. BOPA