Three grand old ladies celebrate 300 years of life
The Hawkers Club in Buffalo Flats, East London, hosted a party with a difference on Friday when three women aged 104, 100 and 96 jointly celebrated their birthdays.
The trio Beauty Jantjies, 104, Kate Oliphant, 100, and Dorothy Campbell, 96 had a wonderful time in each other’s company. They were surrounded by family and friends, making it a day to remember.
Though the birthdays of Jantjies and Campbell had already passed, their families thought it fitting to celebrate alongside that of Oliphant.
Oliphant, also known as “Ouma Wantons”, reached her centenary on Friday.
She said she had lived a clean life.
“I have never smoked or consumed alcohol in my life. I pray a lot. My secret to a longer life was honouring my parents, as the Holy Bible indicates,” she said.
“Covid-19 didn’t affect me at all. I have no chronic illnesses. I’m strong and healthy.”
Oliphant has six children, 18 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
One of her grandchildren, Lucinda Bechoo, said the family was blessed to have such a caring grandmother.
Jantjies, who was 104 on Wednesday, said turning “this big age” was a huge milestone.
“I have been talking about it with my family since the month started,” she said.
“Being a stern woman of faith, I believe it was God’s grace and will for me to live to this age.
“I am the oldest person in the Parkside community.”
She loves staying up to date with current affairs, listening to gospel music and watching movies with her grandchildren.
“I have two daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They are all my blessings from God,” Jantjies said.
The youngest of the three, Campbell, celebrated her birthday on Monday.
Her daughter-in-law Matilda Campbell said: “I wish more years for her. She has four sons and no daughter. I feel like her own daughter. I love her so much.”
I wish more years for her. She has four sons and no daughter. I feel like her own daughter. I love her so much