Local resident celebrates her 105th birthday

This resident of Modimolle reached an incredible milestone on Monday 13 March that very few people are blessed with.

During Die Pos’ visit to her house in Phagameng, her daughter Rebecca Malejane told us that Mary, unfortunately, had a stroke in January which left her unable to speak. Despite her advanced age, her failing eyesight was her only health concern. Even though she lost her sight, she was still mobile and moved around on her own before the stroke. These days she mostly sleeps or rests in front of the television.

Though she is quiet during our interview, a wave of her hand lets her children know when they should elaborate on her story or when they have left out something.

When asked what they love about Mary, the laughter and tales rise like a pulse around her.

“My mother was very strict! If she spoke to you, you listened, otherwise you were in trouble,” Rebecca and her sister Tryphosa laugh, as Mary shakes her head as if to say this is untrue.

“When we cooked together, we had to ensure that our pots stayed clean on the outside during the cooking process, or she would have forced us to start all over again,” shared Tryphosa.

“And she made the best pap and marogo we have ever had,” added Rebecca, with the granddaughters nodding in agreement.

They have known her as a very hard and diligent worker.

Mary was born in Polokwane and relocated to Modimolle in 1951. She used to work in the peanut butter factory in Modimolle that closed down many years ago. She had 11 children, but six of them passed away. The remaining children are Rebecca and Tryphosa, Francina Monama, Elizabeth Tshabangu and Johannes Malejane. She has 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

“We are so grateful to have had our mother part of our lives for such a long time. Only the Lord can bless you with this advanced age,” Rebecca said.