100 not out! These 3 SA grannies celebrated a century of birthdays

News24

2 days ago

The families of three grandmothers wanted to celebrate their centenarian matriarchs this week.
Ouma Lydia de Kock from Cradock, granny Amy Canham from Port St Johns and Johanna Marais all blew out their candles in June and July.
Some of their best advice for life includes remaining eager to learn, drinking tea and this sagest of quotes: 'mind your own business'.
They've lived through a world war, a global pandemic, the rise and fall of apartheid and the macarena.
Over the past few weeks, News24 received three separate emails from three different families celebrating their grandmothers who can all call themselves centenarians.
Ouma Lydia de Kock from Cradock and granny Amy Canham from Port St Johns both turned 100, while Johanna Marais from Cape Town turned the ripe old age of 105 not out.
Beautiful letters were sent this week honouring their beloved, and we share them below.
An English girl turned Stellenbosch farm wife
Ouma Lydia de Kock from Cradock, met her husband Frikkie le Roux in the 1940s at Stellenbosch University where she obtained a BA degree and he a BCom degree.
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They married directly after her studies and settled on the family farm Vlakkenheuwel in the Hermon/Riebeek Kasteel district, where this English village girl emerged as a successful farmer's wife.
She and Grandpa Frikkie were married for 65 years at the time of his death at 92, and have three children, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was actively involved in community initiatives such as the VLV and as chairperson of the Leeskring until her 80s.
She is a sports enthusiast and never misses a rugby or cricket match on television. She also enjoys watching golf and the Tour de France and knows the names of most of the great sportsmen.
Grandma Lydia is in brilliant health and still quite mobile – although she has to do it stealthily if she wants to move around her room herself – and her memory is better than that of her children, who are all in their seventies.
We believe the secret to grandma's longevity and clarity of mind is the fact that she has always been curious and eager to learn – her brain has not retired.
And oh yes, she enjoys a glass of wine during family visits to the farm!
Drinking tea and 'minding your own business'
This June, our beloved granny Amy Canham celebrated her 100th birthday, a milestone few reach, and even fewer do with the grace, humour, and wisdom that she carries so effortlessly.
Born in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape in 1925, she grew up during a time of great difficulty in South Africa, but she met each challenge with quiet resilience. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she raised three of her children and helped raise generations after, always with love, patience, and strong values. Her life was one of service, to her family, community, and faith.
She worked hard on her farm, believes in simplicity, and always welcomed others with open arms and a warm meal. She lived through world wars, apartheid, the birth of democracy and Covid-19, always keeping her dignity and kindness intact. She has seen it all, from fetching water in buckets to seeing Facebook posts and wondering 'How did you find out about that?'... to video calls with her great-grandchildren, even those who live in New Zealand.
When asked how she made it to 100, she smiled and shared her simple recipe for a long life: 'Drink tea, stay active, and mind your own business.'
She adds with a laugh, 'Also, never stop learning and always keep a little sweet for later.'
Her 100th birthday was a beautiful gathering of family and friends, with laughter, stories, and even a few tears. Letters and messages poured in, a reminder of just how deeply she has touched lives.
We honour you, granny - for every lesson, every hug, and every prayer. Happy 100th birthday gran.
A visit from Cape Town's first citizen
Originally published on plus50.co.za and sent to News24, Johanna Marais received a special visit from Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis last week at Panorama Palms for her 105th birthday. Her entry read a little something like this:
After matriculating at Charlie Hofmeyer in Ceres, she qualified as a nurse. She then had a career in banking for more than 30 years and worked at Barclays Bank (now FNB) in Strand Street in Cape Town until her retirement as a senior supervisor.
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She has been a resident of Panorama Palms since May 1999. She lived independently in one of the apartments until December 2010 until her first stroke. After a follow-up stroke in 2019, she went to the weakened care facility and made use of a wheelchair. With a chair gym she regained the use of her arms after the stroke.
She enjoys watching rugby and athletics and loves gospel music. Her favourite dish is water cauliflower stew. She is much loved among the staff of Panorama Palms.
Once again, Congratulations!