How many people living in Brixton can say they have celebrated their birthday as a resident of the community for the past 64 years?
Marie Erasmus can. On 12 September, she celebrated her 91st birthday and the community she has lived in since 1935 helped make the day a special one. Erasmus told Northcliff Melville Times that she had been receiving phone calls and messages from people all over the community wishing her a great day. She said, “So many people have been in contact with me to wish me happy birthday, neighbours, friends, family, people I used to live around and it’s been very nice to hear their birthday wishes.” She thanked those who wished her well on her day and prayed that God would keep her strong and lively for as long as possible.
Erasmus recalls the time when she lived in Mayfair West in 1935. She reflected, “During those times there was only one school in the area and the police station was in a different place,” she said. Erasmus also shared memories of a shelter that once occupied the current Brixton Fire Station. In 1956, she moved to Brixton and has lived there since seeing all the changes, good and bad. When asked why she still loves Brixton she said, “This is my home, I’ve lived here for a very long time. The friends, people I know and those that help me are here in Brixton.” She added that the birds she gets to feed in her yard also make living in her home enjoyable.
Among those in the community who wished her happy birthday were the Brixton Community Forum and the Brixton Police Station. The police, who have built a relationship with Erasmus, applauded her for showing them what life was about. Spokesperson of the station, Jeanette Backhoff said, “Aunty Marie is a true example that life is not about age, life is about living. Her positive attitude towards life is contagious. She is a gift to all who know her. Her contribution towards the community is invaluable and her smile and bubbly personality is an inspiration to all who know her.”
Station Commander Colonel Mkhacani Maluleke, members of Brixton police, the residents of Brixton and Northcliff Melville Times want to wish Erasmus a wonderful happy 91st birthday.
