At 99, Petro Joubert continues to embrace life with creativity and independence, whether it’s tending to her garden, working on her colouring books, or exploring new crafts.

Her daughter, Renza Lourens (74), said her mother starts each day with her colouring books.

“Every morning she gets up and colours, and she won’t go to bed without completing a page,” said Lourens.

Joubert added: “I cannot sit and do nothing with my hands. I must be busy to keep my mind working.”

Surprisingly, Joubert can still read the newspaper without glasses; although she owns a pair, her eyesight remains strong.

She is also a devoted lover of nature, spending hours in her garden, where her deep knowledge of plants shines through.

Wood carving is another of her many talents. Over the years, she has created nearly 25 designs, some of which she has gifted to her grandchildren.

Joubert is a proud grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of four.

Those closest to her describe Joubert as enthusiastic, innovative, and strong-minded, with a wealth of knowledge and life experience.

She credits her optimism, positivity, and faith for keeping her going.

“My faith keeps me going, and my positivity draws other people to me. The biggest treasure God ever gave me was my child,” she said.

A life well lived

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Joubert spent her early years travelling and exploring her passions.

@albertonrecordAs she approaches her 100th birthday, Petro still spends her days colouring, crafting, and celebrating the beauty of life.

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She played hockey, practiced judo, and even joined a flower arranging club.

Music was also part of her life; she played the guitar and often performed at her church.

Professionally, she worked in the administrative sector until retirement.

Her daughter fondly recalls her mother’s endless energy.

“Growing up, she was into sports like hockey, judo, and ice skating. She was always energetic, often running ahead of everyone. I think she was the organiser of everything – people always remembered her,” Lourens said.

Joubert’s adventurous spirit also took her overseas when Lourens was still a child. At the time, few South Africans travelled abroad.

While overseas, she joined groups that worked in different countries, saved money, and moved on to the next destination before eventually returning home.

A determined spirit

Joubert walks with the help of a walker due to pain in her leg, which doctors cannot operate on because of her age.

Still, she remains grateful for her independence.

“There’s a lady at church who is so helpless. I thank God for my life,” she said.

Married three times, Joubert is described by her daughter as a woman of strong values and determination.

“She was a hard worker. For a long time, we didn’t have a car, so we walked everywhere. She was not highly educated, but everything she did was with purpose,” Lourens said.

Joubert has two sisters and was always considered the energetic one in the family. Her curiosity often led her to explore new crafts and skills.

“If she was in this generation, she would be doing all the crafts people do today. She always wanted to know how things were done,” said Lourens.

Looking forward to 100

Joubert will celebrate her 100th birthday on October 26.

For her, reaching this milestone is a blessing she does not take for granted.

“Being my age and still able to do some things by myself is a blessing,” she said.

According to Joubert, her daughter is a guardian angel.

To those who know her, she is an inspiration, a woman whose creativity, faith, and determination have carried her through nearly a century of life.