‘Mind your own business’
JATHAMBA Naidoo celebrated her 102nd birthday on Monday.
Naidoo was born in 1921 in Stanger (now KwaDukuza). Her father, JM Pillay, was a clothing shop owner. She said she had an affluent upbringing, which afforded her an education.
“I finished school in the fifth year but I got the opportunity to read and write, unlike most of my peers,” she said
“I was the eldest of 10 children, so I had to juggle that along with school and working at my father’s shop. My family lost their fortune when my father passed away. I was a teenager at the time.”
Naidoo said her late husband, Johnny Naidoo, a chef, used to visit her father’s shop regularly. They later married and had seven children .
So, what’s her secret to a long life? “I mind my own business. If it doesn’t concern me, I don’t involve myself. That gives me peace of mind. I have also never had alcohol or worn make-up.
“I don’t take any medication and have no dire health issues that require medical attention. I can’t remember the last time I went to a doctor.”
Dee Naidoo, 74, one of Naidoo’s children, said: “My mother is loving and caring. Family came first for her. When my father died in the 1970s, she held the fort and ensured we still received an education. She worked as a seamstress in a clothing factory and up until recently, still used to get requests from people to mend their clothes. She still has a sewing machine in her room, although she hasn’t used it of late as movement is getting more difficult.”
Dee, now retired, worked in the automotive industry and is based in America. He came to Durban for Naidoo’s birthday. His mother lives alone with her helper.
Naidoo has 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Eubulus Timothy, a dentist and filmmaker, lives in the same building as Naidoo. He was part of a gathering of neighbours, family and friends who celebrated her birthday on Monday.
He described the 102-year-old as fun, lovable and amazing: “Aya (grandmother in Tamil) is such a delight. We came together as neighbours to celebrate because of who she is.”