The first thing Thelma Pybus said when she addressed the crowded hall at her birthday party was, “I didn’t know I knew so many people.”
But when you live to 100 you meet a number of people along the way.
Pybus celebrated her birthday at the Village of Golden Harvest No 1, where she is a resident, and four generations of family attended along with friends and acquaintances.
Three large cakes and sausage rolls lined the tables as great-grandson Christiaan Grobler took up the microphone and sang classics like You Raise Me Up, among others.
This was followed by his sister, Tamika, performing a dance.
Both received great applause.
When event organiser Ben van Wyk helped Pybus with the microphone she was all smiles.
“I can’t believe God has let me live so long,” she said.
“Thank you all for coming, and thank you to everyone for doing this.”
The crowd sang Happy Birthday To You and For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow before the formal proceedings concluded and everyone enjoyed cake, tea and coffee.
Later, staff at the village sang their own songs for Pybus, which drew a tear of joy from the centenarian.
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