Longevity runs strongly in the family of this ouma, who turned 102 years old on Friday.
Not only does Gertrude Malan still have her 85-year-old sister and only child, a 72-year-old son, but she is also still in contact with one of her pupils whom she taught more than 70 years ago.
This pupil, Ellen Beukes, also shares a birthday with Gertude, and turned 79 on Friday.
HONOUR: Gertrude with one of her ex-pupils Ellen Beukes, 79. Photo: Jack Lestrade
Even Gertrude’s furniture and appliances in her Wynberg home have been around for more than 80 years. Her vintage fridge and stove still work.
Gertrude, who grew up in Constantia, is a former teacher who taught until the age of 79.
And on Friday, Ellen, her sister, Christine Beelders, and her son, Cyril Malan, celebrated her birthday along with other relatives.
Ellen says she was eight years old when she was in Grade 2 in Gertrude’s class at Battswood Primary School in Ottery.
“I still remember her, and the classroom. Being here is an honour for me,” she says.
Gertrude may rely on a walking aid to get around, but her mind is still as sharp as ever.
She does her own ablutions but has a home-based carer who looks after her.
“I used to knit and bake, and the profits I used to give to charities,” the centerian says.
“I even made wedding cakes.”
The granny has two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Christine says they were initially 18 siblings, of which she is the youngest and Gertrude the eldest.
“My mother had 18 children. There were a lot multiple births.”
Gertrude is very healthy and has no kwale and also attends church every Sunday.
“This is God’s grace, my dear,” she says, adding: “I still love to read.”
Gertrude’s husband, William, passed away 15 years ago at the age of 89. The family still lives in the same home the couple bought more than 70 years ago.