Latest news with #MargaretMaritz
The South African
01-08-2025
- General
- The South African
South Africa's oldest person, Grandma Hundred', dies
South Africa has bid farewell to one of its oldest and most beloved citizens, Margaret Maritz, affectionately known as 'Grandma Hundred', who passed away at the remarkable age of 118. Born on 27 September 1906, Maritz lived through a transformative era in global and South African history – surviving two world wars, apartheid, and witnessing the dawn of democracy. Her extraordinary longevity and gentle spirit earned her national recognition and the affection of those who knew her. In her final years, 'Grandma Hundred' lived at the AFM Welfare Old Age Home in Touws River, where staff and fellow residents became her extended family. 'She was a very friendly, pleasant person,' said Eleanor, a staff member at AFM Welfare. 'She always smiled. The staff adored her. They cared a lot for her and they enjoyed working with her. She never complained about anything.' Maritz passed away just two months short of her 119th birthday. On her 118th birthday in 2024, she celebrated with a pink cake and two of her 14 children, while receiving birthday wishes from across the country. Despite her long and inspiring life, Maritz did not have a funeral policy. AFM Welfare has since launched a fundraising appeal to cover her funeral costs and honour her memory with the dignity she deserves. 'We want to give her the kind of send-off her life warrants,' the organisation said, encouraging South Africans to contribute whatever they can. Margaret Maritz will be remembered not only for the length of her life but for the warmth, humility, and peace she brought to everyone around her. According to the Guinness World Records website, the oldest verified person is French national Jeanne Calment, who died in August 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. 'Several people have been claimed to be older than Jeanne, but there has never been enough evidence to authenticate them,' it says. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
31-07-2025
- General
- News24
South Africa's oldest living person dies peacefully at 118
Margaret Maritz – believed to be South Africa's oldest living person at 118 years old – recently passed away in her sleep at a care home in Touws River in the Western Cape. The beloved resident, affectionately known as Grandma Hundred, took her last breath at 2.40am on Tuesday 29 July, just two months shy of what would have been her 119th birthday on 27 September. 'We are all very sad,' says Eleanor Fourie, facilities manager of the AFM home where Margaret had lived for the past decade. According to Eleanor, Margaret was in good spirits until the end. 'The night before her death, the night staff joked with her and she still mumbled back. She went to sleep as usual and even appeared to be sleeping when they realised she had passed away.' PHOTO: Misha Jordaan Born on 27 September 1906, according to her official identity document, Margaret attributed her longevity to natural remedies. 'I used to go gather herbs from the field and drink them to stay healthy,' she previously said. 'I drank spekboom, wild wormwood and sensitive plant – small amounts in a cup. I was never admitted to a hospital.' In her later years, she only suffered from high blood pressure, which was managed with just two pills daily. Despite her advanced age, she maintained good eating and sleeping habits. Staff and residents at the care home knew Margaret for her warm personality and peaceful nature. 'She was a very friendly, pleasant person,' Eleanor says. 'She always smiled. The staff adored her. They cared a lot for her and they enjoyed working with her. She never complained about anything.' Margaret was also known for keeping peace among her roommates, often scolding other residents when they argued. 'They're impossible. I scold them if they won't listen,' she had said. Though she had become less talkative in recent years, when staff asked how she was doing, she always replied, 'I'm doing well.' The care home is co-ordinating funeral arrangements with Margaret's two daughters, Getryda Maritz and Liza Daniels, who prefer to stay out of the media. 'They've said that since Granny lived here during her final years, the funeral will be arranged from here,' Eleanor says.
