Tafelsig’s Ma Rachel Simmery, who welcomes strangers into her house for something to eat or drink and offers food regularly to anyone who comes knocking, is celebrating her 99th birthday.
Ma, as she is fondly called, is in good health and lives with her great-grandson, two granddaughters, her daughter and son-in-law.
The second-eldest of seven children, she was born on April 14 1924 in Groenrivier, in the Northern Cape, and moved with her family to the Mother City when she was a little girl.
“Die enigste rede dat ek hier is, is deur die Here se genade.
“Ek hang aan die Here. I only live with my God. Hy kom eerste,” said Ma.
Ma has two children, 15 grandchildren, and more than 30 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Her granddaughter Sam Charles said: “She invites everyone into the kitchen.
“Maar vandag moet ons watch because enigiemand kan net instap. Hulle besteel netnou die plek.”
Ma adds: “Almal is mens.”
She grew up in Gatesville and had worked most of her life.
Ms Charles said Ma goes everywhere with an overall in her purse and is always neatly dressed.
“Die potte moet net roer. She likes to keep busy and worries about her grandchildren. The food must be cooked for when the family comes from work, the house must be quiet at a certain time and everyone must be indoors,” she said.
Ms Charles said Ma likes to work and often asks visitors whether they have “char werk” for her.
Ma enjoys going to church. “Dit hou my aan die lewe,” she said.
In honour of her birthday, her family hosted a party with the community and shared food with their neighbours on Saturday April 15.