A half a century after exchanging vows, the sweethearts said they are still so in love.
The couple first met at the Voortrekkerhoogte military base in Pretoria in 1965, when she was in Grade 12 and he was working for the army.
“Straight away, I got the feeling that this is my wife. She is the sort of woman I could spend my life with,” said Buks.
Buks immediately asked his future wife out on a date and about two years later, the lovebirds got married at NG-kerk Cachet in Primrose and remained committed to one another for more than half a century now.
“He is a great husband and a great father and I’m so proud of him and my children,” said Lettie.
Sharing what the sweethearts believe is the secret to their long-lasting marriage, they said: “We communicate, respect each other, trust each other and take care of each other and are always there for each other in good times and bad ones.”
They also attributed the success of their marriage to being able to having patience, being helpful, never bearing malice towards each other and never going to bed angry. “We fight, and thereupon kiss and make up ,” said Lettie.
The couple revealed that they also shared the good and the bad times in their marriage, but remained strong and overcame all obstacles instead of saying it’s enough I’m walking out.
“We fight about certain things like any other normal people do. We had our problems and ups and downs, but we worked together to sort things out. When we said for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, we meant it,” said Buks.
“We have totally different characters. He is straightforward and very tough guy to deal with. I’m the softer one who gives out the smile. However, in our marriage there has always been some give and take,” said Lettie.
Talking about cheating on one’s partner, Buks said “my wife never closed my eyes and mouth; she just bound my hands. So I can look and talk but don’t touch.
“Being a very jealous partner is not good for marriage. You cannot close your husband’s eyes, forbiding him from looking at or appreciating women for being beautiful. There are so many beautiful women out there,” said Lettie, with a loud laugh.
Lettie described being a housewife as old-fashioned and said it places a large financial burden on husbands.
“We have to support our men. I hate being dependant and sitting home doing nothing. It’s not good to be dependent because if your man loses his job or something happens to him, you will struggle to care for your family,” said Lettie.
The couple have three sons, Albert, Ettiene and Dewalt, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
They run a family business in Atlasville Mall.
