Marital guidance from couple as they celebrate 62 years of bliss

A Wilgeheuwel couple, Pieter (87) and Yvonne van Rooyen (83), chose to commemorate their 62nd marriage anniversary by sharing their secret of a loving, long marriage and guiding young married couples who often throw in the towel after a few hiccups in their supposed lifetime agreement.

Although the couple, residing at a retirement village, was visited by their family to properly celebrate their milestone recently, they felt the need to educate and offer advice as they have conquered all obstacles there is in a marriage.

“Love isn’t easy. When you decide to love someone, you must be willing to sacrifice and go an extra mile for them,” Yvonne said.

As she leaned in and took hold of Pieter’s hands, she explained why young married couples often fail to succeed in their marriages. “What I’ve realised with young couples is that they have no respect and compassion for one another. They often hold grudges and don’t settle arguments in time.

“The solution is to avoid arguments, especially [around] children. Always try and find solutions quicker and encourage one another as a couple.”

She further discussed the significance of spiritual guidance in a relationship, and reflected on her own. “We had our ups and downs but we were fortunate to get by by putting God first,” Yvonne said.

Proud grandparents to 25 children, including 12 great-grandchildren, the couple tied the knot in 1964 after working together in a corporate gold mining company in the Randfontein area.

Their unbreakable bond saw them retire together in 1985 and thereafter moving to the Wilgeheuwel retirement village where they continue to enjoy each other’s company as they age together.