This Mitchells Plain man yesterday left for Saudi Arabia where he will be celebrating his 100th birthday at Islam’s holiest mosque.
Omar Kemp, 99, from Portlands will be reaching his magnificent milestone on 21 November and says he is excited to be jetting off to Mecca for a 16th time in his long life.
Hadji Omar says he has been saving for the past three years to go on what could be his final trip.
The last time he went to Mecca, for an umrah or “little hajj”, was in 1998.
“When I was 97, I said I would like to go on umrah again for my 100th birthday and alhamdulillah, the Almighty has granted me the chance to make it,” the hups oupa tells the Daily Voice.
Hadji Omar believes the secret to his long life is abstaining from smoking and liquor, “staying out of trouble” and remaining faithful to his religion.
“I never smoked or drank, I was never in jail or court, and I’ve never been hospitalised in my life,” says the former painter.
Every Friday, Hadji Omar prays at the Azzavia Mosque in Walmer Estate, the only mosque he’s attended over the years.
The pensioner says he has no ailments and strongly believes in his traditional herbs.
“I drink kruie which keeps me healthy, I have no illnesses and I’m in control of the food I eat.
“I’m not picky with food, but I eat less and talk less and this helps me stay healthy.”
Hadji Omar was born in 1919 and has six children, four of whom have passed away, as well as 20 grandchildren, over 100 great-grandchildren and he says he has lost count of his great-great-grandchildren.
“I’m proud to say I’ve only had one wife in my life. When she died in 1973, I’ve never moved on again. We were married for over 40 years.”
COMMIT: Hadji Omar’s wife died in 1973. Picture: Jack Lestrade
Hadji Omar lives with his eldest daughter, who is 79, and her children.
With his sight, hearing and speech fully functional, Hadji Omar says he loves doing things for himself.
“I used to play soccer for Tramways for most of my youth. There was no coloured team better than us, we were kwaai and that’s why I’m so fit and healthy today still,” he says smiling.
Due to his age and the rigours of the umrah, Hadji Omar will be performing his rituals in a wheelchair with the help of his friends.
“I’m going to spend six days in Medina and then head to Mecca where I will spend my birthday in that magical atmosphere.
“If I don’t return and pass on there, it will be 1000% a privilege, but I ask Allah to keep me safe and bring me back to my family.”