It’s 100 not out and still going strong for gran
IN the 100 years that she has lived, Elsies River resident Violet Africa (née Petiteaud) has never had to visit a doctor.
This despite recently struggling with debilitating knees and other illnesses.
Africa, the youngest of three children, celebrates her centenary birthday with family and close friends today.
“I have never had to visit a doctor for any illness. I only went to the doctor with my children when they got sick but never for myself,” she said.
Africa lives with her daughter, Velma Cupido, where the two head their household.
“That’s why mommy can live so long, because we have no stress and no men around, it’s just the two of us,” Cupido said.
Africa, who was born in Simon’s Town and then later moved to Elsies River, is excited to share in the weekend-long festivities which will kick off at home today.
“I’m not sure what will happen, but I do know we will be having gatherings every day until Sunday. I look forward to sharing it with the special people in my life.
“Today we will have a prayer meeting in the morning and the rest of the day we expect the community to pop in like they do every year,” Africa said.
Cupido said because of her mother’s legacy, which started in Elsies River in 25th Avenue and continues in Donegal Crescent, neighbours always share their good wishes on her special day.
Asked what the secret to her long life is, Africa said she enjoys a whisky with water every day.
Her fondest memory of her youth was dancing at Woodstock Town Hall and “visiting the bioscope”.
“We used to love going to the bioscope and I enjoyed ballroom dancing. My favourite types of dance is langarm and the waltz,” she said.
Africa and her late husband John Africa wed when she was 22 after courting for six months. “I met my husband at his confirmation when we were 21 years old. I worked with his sister at the time and was introduced to him. I was raised in a strict household, so while we courted, he’d visit but at 10pm, when a candle went out, he had to leave,” she reminisced.
Africa survived two of her eight children and is a grandmother to 20 grandchildren and “a lot” of great-grandchildren.