Jean and André Kotze will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday morning.
The couple, who dated for five years before tying the knot, believe they have been blessed to be together for so long.
They have three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandson, who they described as the apple of their eye.
“We met at work when we both worked for Sappi and got married at the Methodist church that used to be on Fifth Avenue.
“After the ceremony, we had our reception at the East Geduld Recreation Club before going on honeymoon by boat from Durban to Cape Town,” said Jean, who is 85 years old.
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The couple, who have lived in the same house in Casseldale for over 50 years, were active members of the Springs community, especially at the Springs Country Club.
After moving from Cape Town at an early age, André (87) played rugby for Eastern Transvaal and was considered by many to be one of the best ever flyhalves to play for the Red Devils.
He was also an honourary life member of the Springs Country Club after being a part of the club for 50 years.
Jean was right by his side and worked in the offices of the club and was affectionately known as Mrs Country Club for many years.
Aside from shared interests and love, the couple said the secret to a successful marriage is to fight once in a while and make up before sunset.
“It gets the blood going,” said Jean with a laugh.
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Helping them celebrate their special day will be the couple’s three children, Deon, Phillip and Anita, who say the upbringing they received is something they could confidently transfer to their children as adults.
On the day, the whole family and their closest friends will have a potjie party to celebrate.
“We’ve had a good 60 years.
“God has been good to us,” said the couple.
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