Kwa-Thema granny celebrates 100th birthday
Gladys Radinne's fellow church members and loved ones celebrated her long life with a birthday celebration at St Barnabas Anglican Parish.
Kwa-Thema – A former teacher and beloved resident was recently celebrated for reaching 100 years.
Gladys Radinne was born in 1926 as the last born to nine siblings. Today she is a great grandmother who is known for her loving spirit and the impact she has made in her community.
Her fellow church members and family celebrated her centennial birthday with a lunch, gift presentation and cake cutting ceremony on August 30 at St Barnabas Anglican Parish.
Radinne was born in Matatiele. She and her older brother moved to live in the Eastern Transvaal going from one place to another including Wolmaransstad.
She went to Bethele Primary School and Mariazell Senior Secondary School. She also lived in Sophiatown and eventually became a teacher.
One of her old learners, Gwen Bam (70) was the programme director. Bam said, “She taught me when I was in Standard Six in 1972.
“I have already worked for 40 years so that should tell you how special it is to be celebrating my teacher’s 100th birthday. Today we are celebrating a hundred years of wisdom, it’s a monumental milestone.”
Radinne moved to Payneville when she married the late Solly Radinne. Together, they had five children, two boys and three girls, three of which are deceased.
She is also the only one still alive of her nine siblings. She now resides in Kwa-Thema and is a grandmother of four grandchildren (one has passed on) and eight great grandchildren.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dineo Ntseare said Radinne’s love and strength has been a pillar for the family.
“She has carried us and stayed strong for us. Even through the grief the family has gone through after losing family members to death, she stayed strong,” Ntseare said.
Speaking to the African Reporter, Ntseare shared memories of Radinne’s life.
“People think she’s quiet but she talks a lot,” she said humourously. She really cares about her siblings’ children.
“She used to wake up at 05:00 and cleans the house. Whenever we would visit, she would take care of us, always making sure we have eaten and that we were okay. She has taught us that loving your family is important,” Ntseare said.
Radinne was one of the founding members of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship.
Church warden Zodwa Lehoko said, “Through all these years, she has remained a woman of stature who is rooted in Christ. She has taught us to be patient and honest.”
